Alexa Built-In.... Where is it?

[Mad Jasper]

We typically listen to SiriusXM while in the car, but it is not included in my wife's new Accord. She does, however, have Google Built-In. Since we have a home Amazon Music account she has been using that and we like it a lot. My window sticker clearly states that Alexa Built-In is required but I can't find it. Is there some trick to enable it or was it mistaken listed as standard equipment?

I know I can use the Amazon Music app in CarPlay but I wanted to use the built-in Alexa since it was supposedly available.

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[Thunderspud]

We typically listen to SiriusXM while in the car, but it is not included in my wife's new Accord. She does, however, have Google Built-In. Since we have a home Amazon Music account she has been using that and we like it a lot. My window sticker clearly states that Alexa Built-In is required but I can't find it. Is there some trick to enable it or was it mistaken listed as standard equipment?

I know I can use the Amazon Music app in CarPlay but I wanted to use the built-in Alexa since it was supposedly available.

First result at the ol' Google search page.....hopefully it gets you to here you need to be.
https://www.jeep.com/uconnect/features/alexa.html

 

[Mad Jasper]

First result at the ol' Google search page.....hopefully it gets you to here you need to be.
https://www.jeep.com/uconnect/features/alexa.html

I have WiFi enabled. Just no Alexa app to be found.

 

[Mad Jasper]

I got bounced around between half a dozen <namegoeshere> Cares numbers before finally reaching an agent that assisted with a soft reset of the Uconnect system. The soft reset did not make the app magically appear, as suspected.

I was referred back to the dealer. I have an appointment scheduled next week.

I'm thinking that it's there is a undisclosed connection to another subscription (not just WiFI).

 

[Mad Jasper]

Over the weekend, I found a fine print reference on a Chrysler ad regarding Alexa Built-in. It indicates that NAV is required. I do not have NAV.

I looked up a half-dozen dealers and viewed window stickers of at least that many Gladiators that lacked NAV and Alexa Built-In is listed as a feature. Further research indicates that misrepresenting features on the Monroney Label is a violation of law. While mistakes happen, at minimum the buyer is due compensation for the missing feature.

I understand that mistakes happen but on every Gladiator without NAV?

I am meeting with the dealer today. I am curious as to what their response will be.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Over the weekend, I found a fine print reference on a Chrysler ad regarding Alexa Built-in. It indicates that NAV is required. I do not have NAV.

I looked up a half-dozen dealers and viewed window stickers of at least that many Gladiators that lacked NAV and Alexa Built-In is listed as a feature. Further research indicates that misrepresenting features on the Monroney Label is a violation of law. While mistakes happen, at minimum the buyer is due compensation for the missing feature.

I understand that mistakes happen but on every Gladiator without NAV?

I am meeting with the dealer today. I am curious as to what their response will be.

Alexa IS built in, it's there........... I suspect they have "outs" on that but all it says anywhere I've found is about WiFi.

I can see why NAV would be required as it's a different system in many ways, different software. But they don't "say" that anywhere.

Ironically - Alexa isn't even mentioned at all in the owners manual! It's just not there.

When my wife tried to use it, she got the "wifi is required for Alexa function" or words to that effect.
Not sure I want to pay extra for that since it's on my PHONE - I can simply tell my phone Alexa to do stuff. Why pay more for wifi when I have a phone that's going to do all of that for me?
I can't see the need for the vehicle to have a wifi cell account paying another monthly fee when I pay for my phone to have all of that.
Wish it could use my phone's access.

 

[Mad Jasper]

The dealer confirmed that the app should be available. They could not figure out the issue today. They are going to research the issue further and reschedule when I can drop the Jeep off.

I was also escalated to L2 support via Jeep Assist. From there it was escalated to software developers for additional investigation.

In addition to a promised loaner, I was extended on the connected services subscriptions for another three months (including WiFi).


The dealer was far more helpful than I expected.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The dealer confirmed that the app should be available. They could not figure out the issue today. They are going to research the issue further and reschedule when I can drop the Jeep off.

I was also escalated to L2 support via Jeep Assist. From there it was escalated to software developers for additional investigation.

In addition to a promised loaner, I was extended on the connected services subscriptions for another three months (including WiFi).


The dealer was far more helpful than I expected.

All good to know!

 

[wcberry]

I think you are going to find out you are required to have a data subscription. I had the trial AT&T data subscription and Alexa worked fine. Once the data subscription expired the use of Alexa stopped. Alexa Built in just means it is capable. Just like having an Amazon Echo at home and not connected to the internet. It is also Alexa built in, but has to be connected to the internet which you will have to pay for.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think you are going to find out you are required to have a data subscription. I had the trial AT&T data subscription and Alexa worked fine. Once the data subscription expired the use of Alexa stopped. Alexa Built in just means it is capable. Just like having an Amazon Echo at home and not connected to the internet. It is also Alexa built in, but has to be connected to the internet which you will have to pay for.

Yes, he knew that and has that already (wifi). You get a month free, then $12.95 a month after the free trial. He has the wifi, so it should work for him.

As I showed here, and as he knows (and already has) - wifi is required.
As you activate things in the Jeep app, it gives you a chance to activate your free trial if you want, or can skip.

Here's where he said he's got the wifi already ->

I have WiFi enabled. Just no Alexa app to be found.

(wifi enabled means he's got the AT&T data connection, otherwise he'd have no wifi)

 

[wcberry]

Yes, he knew that and has that already (wifi). You get a month free, then $12.95 a month after the free trial. He has the wifi, so it should work for him.

As I showed here, and as he knows (and already has) - wifi is required.
As you activate things in the Jeep app, it gives you a chance to activate your free trial if you want, or can skip.

Here's where he said he's got the wifi already ->



(wifi enabled means he's got the AT&T data connection, otherwise he'd have no wifi)

Not so fast. He also said:
"
When my wife tried to use it, she got the "wifi is required for Alexa function" or words to that effect.
Not sure I want to pay extra for that since it's on my PHONE - I can simply tell my phone Alexa to do stuff. Why pay more for wifi when I have a phone that's going to do all of that for me?
I can't see the need for the vehicle to have a wifi cell account paying another monthly fee when I pay for my phone to have all of that.
Wish it could use my phone's access.

So does he have a data subscription?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Not so fast. He also said:
"
When my wife tried to use it, she got the "wifi is required for Alexa function" or words to that effect.
Not sure I want to pay extra for that since it's on my PHONE - I can simply tell my phone Alexa to do stuff. Why pay more for wifi when I have a phone that's going to do all of that for me?
I can't see the need for the vehicle to have a wifi cell account paying another monthly fee when I pay for my phone to have all of that.
Wish it could use my phone's access.

So does he have a data subscription?

You are quoting MY comments, me, not his.

His problem is that his Alexa isn't there. He's got the wifi subscription but Alexa isn't there.

I have not yet made the choice to use the subscription. I may use Alexa on my phone through the Android Auto since my phone's coverage actually beats AT&T coverage. I have yet to decide if the 13 bucks a month is worth it for something I might use once a month.

 

[wcberry]

Oops, I did quote you . I am pretty sure the "Wifi Enabled" can be checked without a data subscription. Just not connected to anything. The manual also states you need to have a Sirius/XM Guardian subscription. Also, I think Nav is only required if you want to send your vehicle a destination. From my manual.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I am pretty sure the "Wifi Enabled" can be checked without a data subscription.

wifi isn't on without a subscription. They use the term "interchangeably" - unfortunately.
Wireless is for the data, wifi is for local communications - but this gets fuzzy as non-IT and non-tech people keep tossing the words around.
You must have data for the wifi to work. My experience with prior Jeeps is that you have nothing without the subscription.

In any case, the OP's issue is that he's got the wifi (has the subscription) but Alexa isn't showing up.
I have Alexa app - but it won't function because I didn't opt for the data plan, so there's no WiFi. Can't even use my phone as a hotspot for it.

 

[wcberry]

wifi isn't on without a subscription. They use the term "interchangeably" - unfortunately.
Wireless is for the data, wifi is for local communications - but this gets fuzzy as non-IT and non-tech people keep tossing the words around.
You must have data for the wifi to work. My experience with prior Jeeps is that you have nothing without the subscription.

In any case, the OP's issue is that he's got the wifi (has the subscription) but Alexa isn't showing up.
I have Alexa app - but it won't function because I didn't opt for the data plan, so there's no WiFi. Can't even use my phone as a hotspot for it.

I understand Alexa isn't showing up, but you're saying Wifi enabled and a data subscription is one and the same. I just went out to my 23 and took these screen shots. The wifi is enabled and shows the wifi bars. I can connect with my phone but it also says there is no internet connection. I do not have a data subscription. So what am I missing?

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