Use your cell phone as a smart speaker - how it works
Using your cell phone as a smart speaker is easy and significantly cheaper than buying a new device. In our article we show you how to set up your smartphone and what you need to install.
Use Android smartphone as a smart speaker
You need the Google app to turn your Android phone into a smart speaker. This is usually already installed on your device.
- Open the Google app and navigate to the settings at the bottom right using the "More" button.
- In the "Google Assistant" section, select the "Settings" option again.
- In the following settings dialog, give the wizard access to all required content on your smartphone so that it works to the full extent.
- If you do not want to distribute these permissions, the functionality of the wizard is limited to basic interactions. We therefore advise against it.
- After the settings dialog, the Google Assistant is successfully set.
- You can install other apps to expand the functionality. We have already put together a comparison of the best music streaming services for you.
- For better sound quality, it is still recommended to connect your phone to an external speaker. Read also our test of different Bluetooth speakers.
Use iPhone as a smart speaker
Your iPhone becomes a smart speaker using the Alexa app. So first install Amazon's Alexa app on your iPhone.
- Open the application and log in with your Amazon account. If you don't have one, you have to create one.
- In the app you will find the blue Alexa button in the middle. Clicking on it activates Alexa voice control.
- The first time you start you will be asked to give the app access to your microphone. Granting this is necessary for the voice control to work.
Further practical tips will tell you how to control Alexa remotely while on the go and how to use Amazon Echo with airplay devices.