How To Connect a Phone To an Altec Lansing Speaker

To connect a phone to an Altec Lansing speaker, turn on the speaker and put it into pairing mode, then open your phone's Bluetooth settings and select the speaker from the list of available devices. This is the primary method for wirelessly streaming audio from an iPhone or Android phone to most Altec Lansing models.

How to connect a phone to an Altec Lansing speaker via Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the most common and convenient way to connect your phone to an Altec Lansing speaker. The exact steps vary slightly by model, but the general process is the same.

Turn on the Altec Lansing speaker. On many models, the first time you use Bluetooth, the speaker enters pairing mode automatically. On others, press the Bluetooth button on the side of the speaker, or hold the power button until the LEDs flash to manually enter pairing mode.
On your phone, open the Bluetooth settings:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
- Android: Go to Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device (the exact menu name may vary by manufacturer).
Wait for the speaker to appear in the list of available devices. The name will vary by model (e.g., "AL SoundRover View").
Tap the speaker's name to connect. If prompted for a PIN, enter 0000.

Once connected, audio from your phone will play through the speaker. If you are using a VersA model, you can also tap Main Menu > Connect Bluetooth > Connect speakers via Bluetooth in the Altec Lansing app, then power on the speaker, enable Bluetooth on the phone, and select the speaker name from the device list.

Connecting with an AUX cable

If your phone and Altec Lansing speaker both have a 3.5mm audio jack, you can use a standard AUX cable for a direct wired connection. This method works with any phone that has a headphone output, including iPhones, Android phones, PCs, and laptops. Plug one end of the cable into your phone's headphone jack and the other end into the speaker's AUX input. Ensure the speaker is turned on and set to the appropriate input mode (e.g., AUX). Audio from your phone will then play through the speaker. Note that the exact label for the AUX jack and the switch steps can vary by speaker model. The SoundRover View manual says AUX mode is supported by Party Sync, alongside Bluetooth, FM, and USB Memory Stick modes.

Troubleshooting common connection issues

If your phone does not see the speaker, the speaker may not be in pairing mode. Look for flashing LEDs, which indicate the speaker is discoverable. On first use, some models enter pairing mode automatically. If the speaker was previously paired but does not reconnect, select the speaker again from your phone's Bluetooth list. One support page says a previously paired VersA speaker will reconnect after switching modes. If pairing fails and you are prompted for a code, enter 0000. The documented connection method for most Altec Lansing speakers is Bluetooth, so ensure your phone's Bluetooth is on and the speaker is in pairing mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect my phone to an Altec Lansing speaker via USB?

The SoundRover View manual documents USB Memory Stick mode for playing audio from a USB drive, not for connecting a phone.

Can I connect my phone to an Altec Lansing speaker via Wi-Fi?

One support page references a speaker already being connected to a Wi-Fi network, but the full Wi-Fi setup steps for the phone are not provided in the pages found.

What devices are compatible with Altec Lansing speakers?

Depending on the speaker model and connection method, you can connect an iPhone, Android phone, tablet, or computer.

What is the Bluetooth range for Altec Lansing speakers?

For a stable connection, keep your phone within a typical Bluetooth range of about 33 feet (10 meters), though this can vary by model and environment.