Can Alexa turn on the TV?

Alexa, can you turn on the TV? Yes, but only with certain models.

The good news is that you can use your voice to turn on your TV through an Amazon Echo speaker or other Alexa-enabled devices. The bad news is that only certain types of TVs will work with this feature—and most speakers aren’t compatible either. If you’re wondering if Alexa can power up your set, here’s what we’ve found out so far:

Yes, but there are some caveats.

Alexa can turn on your TV if you have an HDMI-CEC compatible set and an Alexa-enabled device such as the Amazon Fire Stick or Echo Dot connected to it. You’ll also need to enable the “Connected Home” feature in your Alexa app.

If all that checks out, then go ahead and say “Alexa, turn on my TV.”

For example, your TV must have HDMI-CEC support.

To use Alexa to turn on your TV, it must have HDMI-CEC support. If your TV does not have this feature built in, you will need a compatible device that does. For example, some TVs come with an Amazon Fire TV Stick built into them and others require an external box like Roku or Apple TV.

If your TV has an IR blaster or a USB port, you can use it to power on your set.

If your TV has an IR blaster or a USB port, you can use it to power on your set. Some TVs have this feature built-in and some have a USB port you can use to connect a remote.

Some speakers will let you turn on the TV by voice command if they’re hooked up to that set through HDMI or optical audio.

If you have an Alexa-enabled speaker and a TV connected to the same Wi-Fi network, it’s possible to turn on your TV with voice commands. However, this isn’t something that’s built into Amazon’s smart speakers–it requires extra hardware and software that may not be compatible with every device.

If you’re interested in trying this feature out for yourself, first make sure your speaker supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Then follow these steps:

Connect both devices using an HDMI cable, or connect them via optical audio cable if neither supports HDMI CEC or BLE.
Download and install the “Amazon Alexa” app on your phone or tablet; then open it up again later when prompted by an update message after connecting everything together properly.*

You can use Alexa to turn on your TV, but only certain TVs and most speakers are compatible with this feature.

You can use Alexa to turn on your TV, but only certain TVs and most speakers are compatible with this feature. If you have an Amazon Fire TV or Stick, then there’s no need for any additional equipment or setup. You just need to enable it in the settings of the device and then enable “Alexa device discovery” on your TV (if possible).

If you don’t have an Amazon device, there are two ways that you can still use Alexa: by pairing your Echo speaker with another Bluetooth-enabled device such as a sound bar or sound system; or using something called “Echo Link.” This latter option requires a wired connection between the Echo Link box and either HDMI input 1 or 2 of your television set–so it might not be ideal if space is tight in your living room!

If your TV has an IR blaster or a USB port, you can use it to power on your set. Some speakers will let you turn on the TV by voice command if they’re hooked up to that set through HDMI or optical audio.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Alexa to turn on the TV:

Step 1: Check TV compatibility

Ensure that your TV is compatible with Alexa. Most modern smart TVs are compatible, but older models may require additional devices like a smart plug or IR blasters.

Step 2: Set up the TV

Make sure your TV is properly set up, connected to power, and turned on. Connect it to your Wi-Fi network if it is a smart TV.

Step 3: Connect Alexa to your TV

Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner of the screen.
Select “Skills & Games” from the dropdown menu.
Search for your TV brand’s skill (e.g., “Samsung TV” or “LG TV”) and enable it.
Follow the on-screen prompts to link your TV account to Alexa.

Step 4: Discover devices

In the Alexa app, tap on the “Devices” tab at the bottom.
Tap on the “+” icon in the top-right corner to add a new device.
Select “TV” as the device type.
Tap on “Discover” to let Alexa find your TV.

Step 5: Turn on the TV with Alexa

Use the wake word “Alexa” to activate your Echo device or Alexa app.
Then, say the voice command “Turn on the TV” or “Alexa, power on the TV.”
Alexa will send a signal to your TV to turn it on, provided it is compatible.

Step 6: Troubleshooting

If Alexa doesn’t respond or the TV doesn’t turn on, make sure your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Alexa device.
Check that the TV is powered on, properly set up, and has an active internet connection.
Consider restarting the Alexa device or checking for any software updates.

Note: The specific steps may vary depending on the TV brand, model, and Alexa device you are using. Be sure to consult the user manual or support documentation for your specific TV and Alexa device for any additional instructions or troubleshooting tips.

FAQ

Can Alexa turn on any TV?
- Alexa can turn on many smart TVs, but compatibility can vary. It is best to check if your specific TV brand and model support Alexa integration.
How do I connect my TV to Alexa?
- To connect your TV to Alexa, ensure that your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Alexa device. Enable your TV brand’s skill in the Alexa app and follow the prompts to link your TV account.
What voice command can I use to turn on the TV with Alexa?
- You can say “Alexa, turn on the TV” or “Alexa, power on the TV” to command Alexa to turn on your TV.
Can Alexa turn on the TV using an IR blaster or smart plug?
- Yes, if your TV is not compatible with direct Alexa integration, you can use an IR blaster or a smart plug connected to your TV to enable Alexa to turn it on.
Does Alexa require any additional devices to turn on the TV?
- In some cases, additional devices like smart plugs or IR blasters may be required to enable Alexa to turn on the TV if it lacks built-in smart capabilities.
Can Alexa turn on the TV when it’s in standby mode or completely powered off?
- Alexa can typically turn on the TV from standby mode, but it may depend on the TV’s energy-saving settings. However, if the TV is completely powered off, it may not be possible to turn it on through Alexa.
What should I do if Alexa is not turning on my TV?
- If Alexa is not turning on your TV, make sure it is properly connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Alexa device. Check if your TV’s skill is enabled in the Alexa app and ensure the TV is compatible with Alexa.
Can Alexa turn off the TV as well?
- Yes, Alexa can also turn off compatible TVs. Simply say “Alexa, turn off the TV” or “Alexa, power off the TV” to command Alexa to turn off your TV.
Can I control other functions of the TV using Alexa?
- Yes, depending on the TV’s capabilities and Alexa integration, you may be able to control various functions such as volume adjustment, channel change, input selection, and more using voice commands.
Will Alexa work with cable or satellite TV boxes?

Alexa integration depends on the specific cable or satellite TV box. Some providers offer Alexa skills or compatibility, allowing you to control certain functions with voice commands. Check with your service provider for more information.