Are you an Amazon Echo owner who isn't sure how to use their new device? Whether you were gifted an Echo or purchased one yourself, here's all the information you'll need to get acquainted with your Echo and start using it in daily life.
What Is an Amazon Echo?
The Amazon Echo line is made up of hands-free speakers that you control with your voice. Sometimes classified as a smart speaker or voice assistant, the Echo is able to play music, tell the time, and respond to a wide variety of spoken commands.
There are several different models and generations of Amazon Echo devices. Some models, like the Amazon Echo Show, have a screen that can play videos. Others, like the Echo Dot, look like a dark round hockey puck.
However, all Echo devices respond similarly when spoken to.
What Does Amazon Alexa Do?
You may have heard the name Alexa used in reference to Echo devices. Alexa is the name of Amazon's cloud-based virtual assistant, available on any Echo device and other devices manufactured by Amazon partners (you can change Alexa's name, if desired). You can wake up your Echo by saying "Alexa."
Once called, Alexa will listen for your next voice command.
Alexa is capable of setting a timer, turning on music, and responding to several hundred other prompts and instructions. Here are some easy commands and questions that you can ask Alexa in order to start using your Echo to its full capabilities.
1. Clocks, Timers, and Alarms
- Alexa, what time is it?
- Alexa, set a timer for 20 minutes
- Alexa, start/stop stopwatch
- Alexa, set an alarm for 7 a.m. tomorrow
Many people ask Alexa to tell the time, set a timer, start a stopwatch, or schedule an alarm. If you ask the time, Alexa will respond immediately based on your local timezone. If you have an Echo Show or an Echo Dot with Clock, the time will be displayed on the device for you as well.
When you're setting an alarm or starting a countdown, Alexa will confirm your request. Once you've set an alarm, she will ask you to clarify a.m. or p.m. If you're starting a timer or stopwatch, the clock will begin immediately.
To silence an alarm or timer, say "Alexa, turn off." If you're feeling extra groggy, you can say, "Alexa, snooze" for 10 extra minutes of sleep.
2. Weather
- Alexa, what's the weather today?
- Alexa, what will the weather be this weekend?
- Alexa, what's the weather in Minneapolis tomorrow?
Asking Alexa for the weather is faster than checking it on your phone or desktop. Plus you can multitask while doing it (perhaps changing into a more weather-appropriate outfit).
If you ask Alexa for the weather without specifying a location, the assistant will give you the daily weather forecast for your home or office address—wherever your Amazon account is registered. If you specify a location, Alexa will tailor the report. You can even ask for weather predictions on the day or week ahead.
3. Music
- Alexa, play The Supremes
- Alexa, play "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones
- Alexa, play top pop music
- Alexa, play music for a dinner party
Amazon has made a selection of music free to all Echo owners through its Amazon Music platform. That means you can ask Alexa to play popular songs, artists, and chart-topping hits.
You can also ask Alexa to play music genres and mood-setting playlists, though you might hear some advertisements in between songs.
If you'd like to access a larger library of music on your Echo or listen to music without advertisements, you can connect your Echo to premium music subscriptions.
4. Jokes and Games
- Alexa, tell me a joke
- Alexa, knock knock!
- Alexa, let's play 20 questions
Alexa can be a fun game partner for the entire family. You can ask her to tell you a joke or bait Alexa with funny questions, such as, "Alexa, where's Chuck Norris?" Alexa can also engage in kid-friendly conversational games, including 20 questions.
5. News
- Alexa, what's the news?
- Alexa, play news from NBC
- Alexa, what's my Flash Briefing?
It's handy to have Alexa share national and global events while you're getting ready in the morning. Ask Alexa for the news to hear a general rundown of top stories, which you can specify by news outlet.
You can also have Alexa provide a Flash Briefing—a compilation of top headlines from different news sources and publishers, curated by you.
To customize your flash briefing, go to your Amazon Alexa app on Android or iOS, click More and select Settings. Then, open your Flash Briefing menu and toggle next to each news service you want to add to your flash briefing.
6. Shopping
- Alexa, add paper towels to my shopping cart
- Alexa, reorder instant coffee
- Alexa, what are my deals?
Whether you're busy in the kitchen or typing away at your desk, Alexa offers a hands-free way to add products to your shopping cart or order items for delivery. Alexa can even search for specific brands or product models.
Voice shopping works a little differently for Amazon Prime and non-Prime shoppers. If you have a Prime account and enable 1-click ordering, Alexa will charge all voice orders to your credit card on file and ship deliveries to your default address.
If you don't have Prime, Alexa can add products to your shopping cart. However, you won't be able to check out automatically. You'll need to head into your Amazon app or to Amazon.com on your desktop to complete your order.
Sometimes, Amazon will even after a discount on products purchased through voice. Ask, "Alexa what are my deals?" for daily Amazon discounts and Alexa-specific promotions.
Controlling Other Devices With Your Amazon Echo
If you want to build a smart home, you can connect compatible devices to an Amazon Echo and control them with Alexa.
For example, you can install a smart bulb and then use a voice command to control the lights or even change the color. With a smart lock, you can just unlock or lock the door by asking Alexa from the couch.
Making the Most of Amazon Alexa
Once you've made your way through Alexa's built-in capabilities, you might want to expand its knowledge with third-party features, which are called skills.
Browse and download skills through the Echo skills portal or through the Amazon Alexa app.
You'll find enough skills related to productivity, home, design, entertainment, and learning to never feel bored—and most of them are completely free.