Can I Connect or Control My TCL TV to Alexa?

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You do not need an Amazon Fire TV to unlock the voice-activated features of Alexa. If you have a TCL TV and an Alexa-supported device, then you can connect your TV to the service. You are encouraged to continue to the sections below to learn how.

Alexa-supported devices such as the Echo Dot and Echo Show make this possible. If you do not own one of these, then you can always purchase a Fire TV Stick or Cube with Alexa Voice. This allows you to change channels, navigate to streaming services, adjust the volume, and much more.

For your convenience, the instructions for doing this have been separated by operating system: Roku, Android TV, and Google TV.  In the sections below, you’ll learn why there are many advantages to owning a Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Cube. Read on to find out more!

How To Connect Your TCL TV to Alexa

Before proceeding, ensure that you have the Amazon Alexa app downloaded onto your phone or tablet. This will allow you to connect your TV to your Alexa device. 

You will also need to have a reliable internet connection. Then proceed to the steps below.

Choosing Your Operating System

There are 3 different operating systems available for TCL TVs depending on which model you own or intend to purchase.

  • Android TV- 3 series, 4 series
  • Google TV- 4 series, 5 series, 6 series
  • Roku TV- 3 series, 4 series, 5 series, 6 series, 8 series

The operating system should be shown on the main screen of the TV during start-up. The instructions for connecting Alexa to your TCL TV vary depending upon the operating system, so be sure to pay attention to this when reading instructions.

Gathering Your Alexa Device

You need to have a device that supports Amazon Alexa. The good news here is that you do not have to spend too much if you want a device that is capable of doing this. 

Examples include:

You may also use a third-party device capable of supporting Alexa, such as the Sonos One Speaker.

How to Connect To Alexa On A Roku TV

The Roku skill for Alexa is supported on all Roku TVs. Before getting started, make sure that you have Roku OS 9.1 or later by navigating to the Settings menu. Then manually check for a software update.

  1. Download the Alexa app onto your mobile device.
  2. Open the Alexa app once downloaded.
  3. Select Menu and then tap Skills & Games.
  4. In the search bar, type Roku
  5. A list should be generated showing Roku as the result. Select Roku on the list and tap Enable Skill
  6. Finish by following on-screen prompts.

You will be able to use vocal commands such as “pause on Roku”, “launch Netflix on Hulu” or “go home on Roku”. You can also search for specific content such as “crime dramas” or “sci-fi”.

Can You Connect To Alexa On A Google TV? Android TV?

At the moment there is not an effective skill app on Alexa for TCL Android or Google TVs. For voice assistant features in these TVs, it is better to use the Google Assistant feature. This comes automatically built-in if you buy the TCL 43” Android TV.

Purchase A Fire TV Stick Or Fire TV Cube

You can also purchase a Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Cube, which both add Alexa functionality to any Smart TV without the need to make additional purchases. The good news is that they’re affordable too. Amazon periodically offers good discounts on both.

Fire TV Stick With Alexa Voice

You do not need a device like an Echo Dot to take advantage of much of what Alexa has to offer. With this Fire TV Stick, all you have to do is press the button and speak into the remote. 

Perhaps the only downside is that the Alexa skills work best in Amazon apps. If you’re a frequent watcher of Prime Video, this is certainly a nice feature to have. The Fire TV Stick is home to many of the most popular streaming services, including HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, and live TV options as well.

Fire TV Cube

The Fire TV Cube extends similar privileges to its users as the Fire Stick, but with much more functionality. The Fire Cube has 8 speakers, making it easy for Alexa to hear you. As is the case with the Fire Stick, you do not need an Amazon Alexa device to use the voice assist features.

Final Thoughts

You can connect your TCL TV to Alexa, as long as you have an Alexa-supported device and the Amazon Alexa app downloaded on your phone. The diversity of vocal commands may be limited, which is why you may consider purchasing a Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Cube with Alexa Voice built-in.

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