Being a device with a cloud-based voice service available on over 100 million devices, it is no surprise it has become very reliable for day-to-day activities.
As we progress, we will see if its reliability applies to your Apple TV. We will also see which is better: Alexa, Siri, or Google.
The answer to the question on the main topic above is complicated; in some ways, yes and no. For instance, Alexa can not directly connect to your Apple TV except through an HDMI, Bluetooth, hub, IR remote, and hub-based remote. And even when connected, Alexa functions with limited commands like pause, play, increase volume, and decrease volume.
Do Alexa and Apple Work Together?
Yes, of course, Alexa works very well together with iPhones and Apple TVs.
Below are the steps to use the Alexa app with your iPhone;
- Go to your Apple App Store and download the Amazon Alexa app.
- A pop-up menu will require you to grant Alexa access to your Bluetooth, tap on ‘OK’ and allow a set-up connection with your iPhone and any of your other devices.
- You would need to sign into your amazon account next.
- If you read and agree to amazon’s terms and conditions, tap on ‘Continue.’
- To set up the device, either tap on the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ option presented to you.
- Then tap and select from the list of options for who you are. Ensure you confirm your names before tapping on ‘Continue.’
- To give Alexa access to contacts, tap on ‘Allow.’
- Continue with the other steps, such as teaching Alexa your voice or tapping ‘Skip’ to move away from any step you don’t want.
- Tap the blue icon at the top to enable Alexa. Then give your command by speaking or typing it after tapping the keyboard icon.
Just like we are saying, Alexa does not only work with the iPhone but also with Apple TV. So although it will not be a direct connection, it is possible with a little support.
The major challenge Alexa has with Apple TV is that it cannot connect directly with it. And even receiving support to connect is limited in what it can do.
For instance, Alexa, when connected to Apple TV, cannot forward or rewind. And it fails to carry out other complex activities and is restricted to simple commands like pause and play.
How Do I Connect My Apple TV to My Echo?
There are five DIY ways that you can use in trying to connect your Apple TV to the Echo.
And these five ways that you can go about it include;
- Connection Via Bluetooth
- Connection Via HDMI
- Connection Via Hub Remote
- Connection Via Hub-based Remote
- Connection Via IR Remote
#1. Connection Via Bluetooth
Connecting via Bluetooth is a wireless connection that makes it easy to connect your Echo device with your Apple TV. Doing so while still retaining a quality sound.
The downside of the Bluetooth connection is that the volume of your smart speaker does not affect that supplied by the Echo device connection.
You need to go to your Apple TV setting and connect Alexa to enable Bluetooth on Speaker.
One remarkable thing is that the Apple TV can handle many Bluetooth connections with Alexa, Bluetooth headphones, and gaming devices.
As far as your Echo device and Apple TV pair go, you must follow these steps on the table;
| For Apple TV | For Alexa App |
|---|---|
| Enter the Apple TV settings, | Pick up your mobile phone and open the Alexa app |
| Tap ‘Remotes and Devices | Tap on ‘Devices’ |
| Tap on ‘Bluetooth’ | Tap on ‘All Devices |
| Once you see the option to pair devices, tap it | |
| Tap on ‘Bluetooth Devices’ and then tap on ‘Pair New Device’ |
Your device should have a successful pairing at the end of all of this. And on your Apple TV’s Bluetooth setting, the option to select Alexa should be available.
Unlike all other devices that induce latency, Apple TV can adjust audio from different sources. And this inbuilt feature will help the TV avoid the effect of latency.
Then in the Apple TV settings, select ‘Audio and Video’ and then adhere to every step under ‘Wireless Audio Sync.’
Once you have established the connection, your volume control will no longer be possible with the Apple TV remote but with your Alexa or Alexa app.
#2. Connection Via HDMI
You can use an HDMI cable to transmit audio and video from your Echo device to your Apple TV. And it would be best if you had a speaker, considering that Apple TV has no built-in sound.
A 3.5mm/ optical line-in port or Mini-TOSLINK comes with your Echo device for sending digital and audio signals.
Below are the requirements for using the HDMI;
- An Apple TV
- The Echo studio
- Optical/ Digital Audio Outport
- Optical cable Mini-TOSLINK to TOSLINK
Before making the connection for Apple TV and the Echo device, ensure that both devices have established a setting that will permit a wired connection.
The following steps will help you establish an HDMI connection between your Apple TV and Echo device;
- Go to the settings of your Apple TV and select ‘Audio and Video.’
- Click on ‘Default Audio’ after scrolling down
- Click on ‘TV Speakers’
- Ensure that your Mini-TOSLINK cable has a connection with your Apple TV port and Alexa
- Go to the TV setting and click on ‘Audio.’
- Turn off speakers and always refer to the user guide from time to time
- And finally, ensure that there is no Bluetooth device connected to Alexa. Otherwise, it may end up causing obstructions to the HDMI connection.
#3. Connection Via Hub Remote
With the aid of your home hub controller, your Echo device can effectively carry out various tasks. For instance, it can link your audio system and even turn on the TV.
Below is the required equipment that can help you achieve this;
- An Apple TV
- An enabled WiFi network
- Amazon Echo or Echo Dot
- A smartphone that will support your Apple TV
- A flat-screen TV with an HDMI port
- A hub remote like that of the Logitech Harmony hub remote
To set up the Harmony hub, you must take note of the following steps;
- Put the hub in allocation where every device that connects to it will be able to see it, including the TV.
- Go to the App Store and download the Harmony hub app.
- Please create an account by following the software instructions and link it to your home WiFi network.
#4. Connection Via Hub-based Remote
The remotes are of two types the hub-based remote and the IR remote. But there is no doubt for me that I would rather go for the hub-based remote.
Granting the Echo control over your Apple TV is a good choice because this will limit mistakes and stress to a higher degree. And ensure that the TV is connected to the home network.
The following steps below will show you how to connect the Apple TV with your hub-based remote;
- Use your mobile device to download the harmony app
- Once the app opens, go to the dropdown menu and tap on ‘Device.’
- Then tap on ‘Add/ Edit Devices’
- Tap on ‘Add Device’
- Search for your Apple TV by tapping ‘Scan for WiFi Devices
- You see a requirement asking you to create an activity
- Tap on ‘Yes’ and stick to the steps that follow. Then you will have the ‘Watch Apple TV’ as an activity.
With this, you can now link Alexa to your harmony hub that now has control over your Apple TV. And it would help if you also endeavored to take full advantage of the voice commands.
#5. Connection Via IR Remote
If you look at the front of your remote and see the light coming from it, it is an IR remote. In contrast, the one without light in front of them is an RF remote.
The infrared light you can not see with your naked eye except with digital cameras, a camcorder, or phone cameras is controlled and transmitted by the IR remote.
Below are steps to connecting an IR remote;
- Download MyHarmony software and install it
- On the Remote Gallery Screen, select your device
- On the left-hand menu, click on ‘Devices.’
- Select ‘Add Device’
- Type Apple in the ‘Manufacturer’ text box and your TV’s model number in the ‘Device Model Number’ text box
- Then, you are to select a generation for your Apple TV.
Can Alexa Talk to Siri?
Both Alexa and Siri play their role as voice recognition services, and they can not be able to initiate a conversation because both of them lack self-awareness, unlike we humans.
If Alexa and Siri could reason and decide for themselves, this conversation would take a different turn. But their lack of ability to reason makes it impossible.
They also both serve as automated voice response systems. And the information they present is often dependent on computer translation and voice-to-text interpretation.
Their response often comes from the background search programs, restricted to the question asked. So, they definitely can not talk to each other.
Can You Add Echo Dot to Apple Home?
Yes, you can add Echo Dot to your Apple home. All you need to do is give it the appropriate setting, and everything will go smoothly.
I have three google home devices and two Echo devices. I can tell you that even without stress, my Harmony hub, Echo Dot, and home devices are working well.
You can control many other home devices with the Echo Dot and Google Home Minis.
What is Better: Alexa, Siri, or Google?
The one thing that Alexa, Siri, and Google all have in common is that they all function as automated voice response systems.
Although among the three of them, Alexa ranks the highest as the top-rated smart home assistant, leaving Siri and Google to come behind it.
Unlike Siri, Alexa does not use Google’s search engine, which is the most popular today.
Rather, Alexa uses Bing’s search engine. The only one among the three that seem out of place here is Google.
And this is because the other two are not just automated voice response systems. But they are also smart assistants for your home and devices.
Conclusion
Alexa can control Apple TV with support from other devices like the hub, IR remote, HDMI, and Bluetooth. However, it can only perform a limited number of activities.
You can connect your Echo to Apple TV by yourself in five different ways and can even add Echo Dot to your Apple home. And lastly, Alexa and Siri can not talk to each other.