Ugh, the QR code setup can be so finicky! You're definitely not alone in having trouble with this—it's honestly one of the most common complaints people have about setting up the newer Echo Dots. The good news is that it's usually something simple causing the problem.
Nine times out of ten, it's a lighting issue:
This happens more than you'd think:
Sometimes the Alexa app just needs a kick in the pants:
Don't panic! You can totally skip the whole QR code thing:
If nothing's working and you're getting frustrated:
Amazon's QR code setup is supposed to make things easier, but when it doesn't work, it's actually more annoying than the old method. The manual setup works just fine and honestly isn't that much more complicated—you just type in your Wi-Fi password like you would with any other device.
Don't let a stubborn QR code ruin your day! Skip it and get your Echo Dot working the old-fashioned way. Once it's set up, you'll forget all about the setup drama anyway.
Nope, no 3.5mm port on the Echo Dot 5th generation, and honestly, this is probably the biggest bummer about the newer models. If you're coming from an older Dot where you could just plug in your favorite speakers, this change is going to sting a bit.
Amazon started removing the 3.5mm port with the 4th generation back in 2020, and they kept it gone for the 5th gen. So if you have a 3rd generation or older, you got lucky with that port!
Had the port: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Echo Dots Don't have the port: 4th and 5th generation Echo Dots
Look, I get why they did it, even if I don't love it:
But still... sometimes you just want to plug something in!
Most people end up using Bluetooth speakers anyway, and it works pretty well:
If you already have speakers you love:
If wired audio is really important to you:
Is it annoying? Yeah, especially if you had a perfect setup with your 3rd gen Dot. But most people adapt pretty quickly. Bluetooth has gotten really good, and the convenience of wireless usually wins out.
If you're super attached to your wired speakers, you might want to hunt down a 3rd generation Echo Dot while they're still available, or just bite the bullet and get a Bluetooth adapter for your existing speakers.
The Echo Dot 5th generation is a great device, but Amazon definitely made this decision with wireless users in mind.
Amazon really stepped up their game with the Echo Dot 5th generation's sound quality! If you've been using an older Dot and wondering if the upgrade is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes.
The Speaker Got Bigger Amazon managed to fit a larger driver into the same compact size, and wow, what a difference it makes. We're talking about roughly double the volume output compared to the 4th generation, and that's before you even get into the quality improvements.
Smarter Audio Processing They completely rewrote the software that handles audio processing. Think of it like getting a better DJ who knows exactly how to make your music sound good through this particular speaker.
You'll immediately notice the difference. The bass actually has some presence now (not subwoofer level, but way better), and Alexa's voice sounds so much clearer. Plus, you can actually turn it up loud enough to hear across the room without it sounding terrible.
This is like going from a transistor radio to a decent Bluetooth speaker. The improvement is honestly impressive for such a small device.
Perfect for:
Pretty good for:
Still not great for:
Look, it's still an Echo Dot—it's not going to replace your soundbar or bookshelf speakers. But for what it is (a compact smart assistant that also plays music), Amazon finally made one that doesn't sound like it's coming through a tin can.
If you're using it mainly for smart home control and the occasional podcast, you're going to love the upgrade. And if music is important to you but you're tight on space, this little guy will actually surprise you with how decent it sounds now.
The biggest win? You can finally have a conversation with Alexa without having to stand right next to it or shout across the room!
No, the Echo Dot 5th generation doesn't include a built-in Zigbee hub, and you're definitely not alone in wondering about this. It's honestly one of the most common questions people have when trying to figure out which Echo device to buy for their smart home.
Amazon keeps the Echo Dot compact and affordable by leaving out some features you'll find in their bigger devices. Think of it this way: the Echo Dot is like the starter car in a lineup—it gets you where you need to go without all the premium features.
The devices that DO have Zigbee hubs:
The ones that don't:
Not having Zigbee doesn't mean you can't build an awesome smart home with your Echo Dot! You've actually got plenty of options that work just as well.
Tons of smart devices these days connect straight to your Wi-Fi—no hub needed:
If you fall in love with a particular brand that needs a hub, you can always add one:
Many devices work through their manufacturer's Alexa Skill. Just enable the skill in your Alexa app, and you're good to go.
Here's what actually works well in practice:
Start simple with a few Wi-Fi smart plugs or smart bulbs. They'll connect right to your Echo Dot, and you can say things like "Alexa, turn on the living room lamp." Once you get comfortable with that, you can branch out to other devices.
Pro tip: Stick with one brand when you're starting out. It makes everything way more reliable and easier to manage.
Your Echo Dot might not have Zigbee, but it's still going to make your home feel pretty magical!
Nintendo Switch game compatibility is mostly straightforward, but there are a few considerations depending on which model you own. Let me break down what works where, so you don't run into any surprises.
If you've got the original Nintendo Switch or the OLED model, you're set. Every single Nintendo Switch game ever made will work on your system, no exceptions. You can play docked on your TV, in tabletop mode propped up on a table, or handheld style wherever you are. These systems were designed to handle the entire Nintendo Switch library.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is where things get slightly tricky. Since it's handheld-only and the Joy-Cons don't detach, some games simply won't work. Most games? Totally fine. But there are specific titles that require those detachable controllers or special motion controls.
Here are the main ones that'll cause issues: 1-2-Switch (the whole game revolves around passing controllers around), most Just Dance games (you need to wave those Joy-Cons around), Super Mario Party (classic party game where everyone grabs a controller), and Ring Fit Adventure (requires that special Ring-Con accessory).
But here's a workaround: you can actually buy separate Joy-Con controllers and play these games wirelessly with your Switch Lite. It somewhat defeats the purpose of the compact design, but it's technically possible.
Here's the excellent part: if you buy digital games, they work on any Switch system with your Nintendo Account. So if you upgrade from a regular Switch to an OLED, all your downloaded games come with you. Physical cartridges work the same way – pop them into any compatible Switch and you're ready to play.
While your games are compatible across systems, your save data is more complicated. Some games backup your saves to the cloud (if you have Nintendo Switch Online), but others don't – especially competitive games where they're concerned about cheating.
Unless you're specifically interested in motion-control games or party titles, any Switch model will play virtually everything you want. The Switch Lite is an amazing handheld gaming machine – just know what you're getting into before you commit.
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