Listening to SiriusXM on your Alexa-enabled devices like Echo Dots and Echo Shows is a breeze once you connect your accounts. This guide will walk you through the steps to enable the SiriusXM skill on Alexa and set it as your default music provider.
What is SiriusXM and Alexa?
For those unfamiliar, SiriusXM is a popular satellite radio service with over 300 channels spanning genres like rock, pop, country, jazz, and more. Alexa is the voice assistant that powers Amazon‘s Echo smart speakers and displays.
Connecting the two services allows you to request SiriusXM stations, shows, and playlists completely hands-free. No more fumbling for a remote or your phone – just ask Alexa to play what you want to hear.
Step 1: Enable the SiriusXM Skill in the Alexa App
The first thing you need to do is enable the SiriusXM skill in the Alexa smartphone app, available on both iOS and Android devices.
- Open the Alexa app and tap "More" in the bottom right corner
- Select "Skills & Games"
- Use the search bar to find "SiriusXM"
- Tap the SiriusXM skill card
- Tap "Enable to Use"
This links your Alexa device to the SiriusXM service.
Step 2: Link Your SiriusXM Account
After enabling the SiriusXM skill, you‘ll be prompted to sign into your SiriusXM account.
- Enter your SiriusXM username and password
- Click Sign In
This connects your existing SiriusXM account to Alexa so you can access all your stations and preferences.
And that‘s it! SiriusXM should now be successfully added to Alexa.
Step 3: Make SiriusXM Your Default Music Service
Now that SiriusXM is enabled on your Alexa devices, you may want to make it your default music service for even more convenience.
Here is how to set SiriusXM as the default music provider on Alexa:
- In the Alexa app, tap "More" then "Settings"
- Select "Music & Podcasts"
- Tap "Your Default Services"
- Choose "Change" next to the Music setting
- Select "SiriusXM" from the list
Going forward, any general music request like "Alexa, play pop music" will now default to SiriusXM instead of Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, etc.
Listening to SiriusXM on Alexa
With SiriusXM set up on your Alexa devices, you‘re now ready to start listening!
- Request a genre: "Alexa, play classical music on SiriusXM"
- Play a specific channel: "Alexa, ask SiriusXM to play The Pulse"
- Resume what you last listened to: "Alexa, resume SiriusXM"
The hands-free, immersive sound makes Alexa devices like Echo speakers perfect places to enjoy SiriusXM.
Disabling the SiriusXM Skill
If you no longer wish to use SiriusXM on your Alexa, disabling the skill is simple:
- Open the Alexa app and select "Skills & Games"
- Tap "Your Skills"
- Choose the SiriusXM skill
- Select "Disable Skill"
This completely removes the integration but does not affect your SiriusXM account.
There are many advantages of combining SiriusXM and Alexa:
- Hands-free listening: Ask Alexa to play music without needing a phone or remote
- Greater variety: Get 300+ channels spanning many genres
- Ad-free: Enjoy SiriusXM‘s channels 100% commercial-free
- Customization: Set favorites, thumbs up/down songs to tailor stations
- On-demand shows & playlists: Access SiriusXM‘s library beyond just live stations
- At home & on the go: Stream SiriusXM from Alexa at home or mobile app outside
In short, accessing SiriusXM on Alexa makes for an even more powerful, personalized and convenient listening experience.
I hope this guide covered everything you need to know about adding SiriusXM as a skill on all your Alexa-enabled devices. Let me know if you have any other questions!
