Several Yamaha Soundbar models come with an in-built Alexa feature. That includes the best Yamaha Soundbars, such as the YAS-109, YAS-209, ATS-2090, SR-X50A, and MusicCast BAR 400. You have to enable the available option using the Yamaha Sound Bar Controller app. As for other Yamaha Soundbars, you can add an Alexa device to the soundbar and connect and control it using the Alexa app or the Yamaha MusicCast app.
Read along to learn how to use all three apps to connect Yamaha Soundbar to Alexa with and without the built-in support.
How to Enable Alexa on Yamaha Soundbar Using the Sound Bar Controller App
In order to enable Alexa on the Yamaha Soundbars using the Sound Bar Controller app, the Yamaha Soundbar should be connected to the internet and turned on at all times. Both the soundbar and your smartphone should be connected to the same WiFi.
1. Download the Yamaha Sound Bar Controller app on your smartphone.
2. After downloading, launch the app and choose WLAN & Mobile under the request for wireless data access pop-up.
3. Next, hit OK on the request to connect with devices on your local network.
4. Now, press the Next button and choose an option under the location request pop-up displayed on the screen.
5. Click on the OK button to grant access to enable Bluetooth, and the app will automatically start searching for available devices and connect with your Yamaha Soundbar.
6. Once the soundbar is connected to the Sound Bar Controller app, click on your soundbar to bring up more options related to it.
7. From the options listed on the screen, click on the Amazon Alexa option and sign in to your Amazon account.
Note: If prompted, download the Amazon Alexa app via Play Store or App Store and create an Amazon account.
8. After that, pick a Language for Alexa from the options given, and you will be presented with the Alexa is ready message.
9. Now, press Next to complete the connection.
How to Connect Yamaha Soundbar to Alexa Using the Yamaha MusicCast App
If you own a Yamaha Soundbar with built-in Alexa, then the previous method will be much easier and more effective. If the soundbar does not have Alexa support, then you can use the following method, but first, you have to connect the Yamaha Soundbar to the Alexa device.
1. Take an AUX cable and insert one end of it into your Alexa device. It can be anything, including Echo Dot.
2. Now, connect the other end of the AUX cable to the Analogue or AUX port of your Yamaha Soundbar.
3. Connect both the devices to power and turn it on.
It is important that both your Yahama Soundbar and the smartphone used for the apps are connected to the same WiFi. Only then will the app recognize and connect with the soundbar.
Enable Alexa Using the MusicCast App
1. Download the MusicCast app on your smartphone from the device’s app store.
2. On the other hand, download the Amazon Alexa app as well and ensure you have an Amazon ID.
3. Launch the MusicCast app and follow the on-screen prompts to add your Yamaha Soundbar to the app.
4. Next, from the home page, click on the Settings icon and select the Amazon Alexa Setup option.
5. Under that, tap on the Start Setup button and log in to your existing Amazon account.
6. On the following page, press Accept and hit the Start option.
7. After that, click on the Next option and then press Yes when the request to open the Amazon Alexa app pops up.
8. On the Amazon Alexa app, tap on the drop-down menu found at the top left corner of the screen.
9. From the options displayed on the screen, choose Skills.
10. Search and select the MusicCast option and enable all skills that you wish to have access to with the Alexa and Yamaha integration.
11. After that, click on Continue and enter the required details on the following page.
12. Finally, press Accept to complete the Yamaha Soundbar and Amazon Alexa setup.
How to Use Alexa to Control Yamaha Soundbar
After connecting the Yamaha Soundbar to Alexa, you can easily access the soundbar through voice commands. Alexa can do more than just control the device since it has access to the internet.
- Control the specific song and the device volume.
- “Alexa, increase the volume.”
- “Alexa, unmute the song.”
- Ask Alexa regarding any song or title.
- “Alexa, repeat this song.”
- “Alexa, play Blank Space.”
- “Alexa, who is the artist.”
These are a few commands that you can use with Alexa when it is connected or enabled in your Yamaha Soundbar.
How to Create Custom Groups With Alexa
Once you have enabled Alexa on your Yamaha Soundbar, you can create separate speaker groups. Here is how you can do that.
1. Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone and click on the Devices icon.
2. The Yamaha Soundbar connected to Alexa will appear under this section.
3. Now, click on the + icon and select the Combine Speakers option.
4. Tap on Multi-room music and choose the speakers you wish to put in a group from the list of available speakers displayed on the screen.
5. Following that, assign a Name for the group to complete the setup.
Now, the group will appear as one under the Devices section, and you can access them anytime you want.
FAQ
One of the main reasons for Alexa not working when connected to a Yamaha Soundbar, including the YAS-209, is poor internet network. When there is no proper WiFi connection, then Alexa will stop working.
If the Alexa indicator light on your Yamaha Soundbar glows red, then it means the microphones are turned off or disabled. On the other hand, if the Alexa light is flashing red continuously three times, it means an error has occurred.
If your Yamaha Soundbar comes with an in-built Alexa, there is no need to connect them separately once again using Bluetooth. If you are connecting an external Alexa device, you can connect them using an AUX cable.
