In June of this year, Amazon announced an update to the Echo Dot Kids Edition based off of the 3rd generation Echo Dot. For $69.99, you get a 3rd Generation Echo Dot in a bright color and kid-friendly features. It’s actually a great product, but there’s not much about it that can’t be had on a standard Echo Dot for less money. The standard Echo Dot retails for $49 (Check the latest price), but you can get an Amazon certified refurbished Echo Dot for a little less. The kid’s edition isn’t available with the full sized Echo, but you can still buy one and follow the steps below to convert it.

So we’re going to look at what it takes to turn a standard Echo Dot into a Kids Edition for free. One of the best reasons for doing a “Kids Edition upgrade” rather than just outright buying the Kids Edition, is you have the option of using a 2nd or 3rd generation dot, or .

What makes an Echo Kids Edition different?

If you want to get into the details, look at the chart here, but there are really only a few differences between the Echo and Echo Kids edition. Those differences are the color, parental controls, exclusive content, and an extended warranty. If you want Amazon’s 2-year worry-free warranty, then the Kids Edition is the only way to go. If you can forego that, and you already have an Echo, then you can try out all the features of the Kids Edition for free.

Kid-friendly colors

The only way to get the exclusive Kids edition blue or rainbow colors is to get the the Kids Edition Echo. The previous version of the Kids Edition included a colorful protective case, and there were more options in terms of colors. But it seems like with the new version, Amazon realized there’s really no reason to have a protective case on something that has to be plugged into an outlet at all times to work and is not really intended to be touched or handled. If you really want to protect either the standard or Kids Edition Echo a better option is an Echo Dot wall mount such as this sleek outlet hanger which will keep the device off of bookshelves in a place where it won’t easily get knocked down.

Enabling Echo Parental Controls

The biggest difference between Echo and the Kids Edition is parental controls. That’s a free option that you can enable right now. Its what Amazon calls Free Time for Alexa devices. To enable parental controls on your Echo, open the Alexa app on your smartphone. If you don’t have the app already you can download it from Google Play, iTunes, or the Amazon app store. Even if you already have the app already, you may need to uninstall it and install it from the Amazon app store. Because these features are brand-new, some are not yet available in the version of the Alexa app provided by third-party app stores. If you don’t have the Amazon app store installed, you can download it here. Once in the Alexa app, click the menu button in the top-left corner signified by the three horizontal lines. Then, select “Alexa Devices.”

Select your Echo device from the list displayed.Click “FreeTime” in the menu that comes up next. It’s in the “General” section.

Click the toggle next to “FreeTime” on the page that displays next.

You will be prompted to provide parental permission. If you do not have any children on your account, you can add one at this point. In order to provide parental permission, you’ll have to enter your Amazon password and a verification code sent to your mobile phone. Now you can set up the features you would like enabled on your kid’s device.

Once you click “Continue” you are done. You can set additional options and review device history at parents.amazon.com.

Enabling Amazon Echo Kids Premium Content

All the premium content available on Amazon Echo Kids Edition is also available as part of a subscription to FreeTime Unlimited. This includes ad-free radio stations, free Audible books, and special skills from makers like Disney. For Prime members, the subscription is $2.99/month and this includes FreeTime Unlimited for Kindle as well. If you already have a subscription for your child’s Kindle, then associating your Echo with the same child will automatically enable the service for Alexa. If you don’t already subscribe, you can start with a one-month free trial of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited. The subscription provides exclusive content to both Echo and Kindle devices. Once the subscription is activated and associated with the same child account as the Alexa device, that content will be available as well.