This article explains what Alexa can (and can't) do without a Wi-Fi internet connection.

Can I Use Alexa Without Wi-Fi?

The short answer is yes.However, the processing power and storage available on Alexa devices are very limited, so most of Alexa's functionality relies on an internet connection provided via Wi-Fi.

That can be a standard Wi-Fi network like you have at home that uses your home internet connection, mobile data from a dedicated hotspot device, or a phone set up to work as a hotspot.

When you ask Alexa a question or ask Alexa to perform a task, your voice is recorded and transmitted over the internet to Amazon's cloud servers for processing.

What that means in reality is that, without an internet connection, Alexa can't understand your commands, and it wouldn't know how to reply even if it did. Essentially, Alexa loses almost all of its functionality when disconnected from the internet.

Can Alexa Work With Mobile Data?

Alexa doesn't care how it's connected to the internet. All that matters is it has an internet connection.

The connection has to be via Wi-Fi because Echo devices don't have Ethernet ports, but Alexa works just as well on mobile data as it does on your home internet connection.

The easiest way to use Alexa with mobile data is to install the Alexa app on your phone. Whenever you're out of range of a Wi-Fi network and start using your mobile data, the Alexa app will run just fine on your mobile connection.

If you want to use an Echo device with mobile data, you need to use a hotspot device or set up your phone as a hotspot and connect the Echo to that using a process known as tethering.

Not all cell phone service providers allow tethering, though. Before you try using your Echo device with mobile data, check with your service provider to make sure tethering is allowed.

If you use your phone as a mobile hotspot for your Echo, the Echo will consume your mobile data. This may result in charges depending on how your mobile data contract is structured so keep an eye on that.

3 Things Alexa Can Do Offline

While Alexa relies on an internet connection for most of its functionality, there are a few exceptions.

If you find yourself without any internet connection at all, and tethering your phone or using a dedicated hotspot aren't options, there are a few things for which you'll still be able to depend on your Alexa.

Here's what your Alexa can do when it doesn't have a connection to the internet:

1. Alarms: If you've set the alarm on your Echo device, it will still go off at the appointed time even if there is no internet connection. The catch is you can't turn the alarm off or change it in any way without connecting to the internet.
2. Bluetooth speaker: If you have previously paired your phone or another Bluetooth-enabled device with your Echo, you can still use the Echo as a Bluetooth speaker even if it isn't connected to the internet. You do need an internet connection for the initial setup process.
3. Limited local voice control: Some, but not all, Echo devices can process voice commands to control local devices like light switches, provide the time and date, alter alarms and timers, and control the volume of the echo device, all without an internet connection.

FAQ

• Why does Amazon Alexa need access to my Wi-Fi connection information?

  Amazon devices require Wi-Fi to access features and skills. Echo devices can only connect to Wi-Fi with help from the Alexa app, where you can enter your Wi-Fi information securely.

• How fast does the Wi-Fi need to be for Alexa?

  Amazon recommends an Internet connection with speeds of 0.51 Mbps or greater for streaming through Alexa-enabled devices.