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How to use Alexa: Tips, tricks and general instructions

 How to use Alexa: Guides, tips, tricks and how-tos for getting the most of the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Fire TV, and other Alexa-enabled smart speakers.



Knowing how to use Alexa will help you make the most of your virtual assistant. Alexa, the brain that powers all the best Alexa speakers, is an asset in your smart home as long as you're using it properly.

Alexa is available in all shapes and sizes. If you own any Echo speaker, including the new Amazon Echo, Amazon Echo Dot, and Amazon Echo Dot with Clock, the Alexa voice assistant is ready for you to use. 

·         The best Alexa skills to try now

·         All the best smart home devices we've reviewed

·         Use Alexa on the best Bluetooth speakers

You can ask it to navigate you to a destination, keep track your schedule, order products off of Amazon, read books, find local restaurants and answer your questions.

Several third-party gadgets have Alexa built in, too, especially in the smart home category. All of the best Alexa compatible devices, be them the best smart light bulbs or best smart plugs, can be controlled using Alexa.

 

You’ll want to make sure you're taking full advantage of this personal assistant. These tips on how to use Alexa will help you set up your Alexa speaker, connect it to your smart home devices, play music, and much more.

How to set up Alexa

Before you purchase an Alexa-enabled speaker, make sure you're getting the one that best suits your needs and budget. 

The Echo Dot is Amazon's least expensive and most popular Alexa speaker. Here's how to get it set up.

It’s not all that much different from the standard, third-generation Echo Dot. But the added LED display supports certain settings you might not know about.

 

You just bought an Amazon Fire TV, Echo or Echo Dot. Here are the settings you'll want to adjust before you start using it. 


By using the Echo in conjunction with the Alexa app, you can train the personal assistant to better understand your vocal patterns. 

Alexa's default voice isn't for everyone. Whether you want your voice assistant to slow down or speed up, all you need to do is ask.
You don't have to say "Alexa" to wake Amazon's voice assistant. Here's how to change Alexa's name.

You don't need to keep saying "Alexa..." every time you want her to do something.
Did you know you can order stuff from Amazon just by talking to Alexa? Here's our brief explainer on Alexa Voice Shopping. 

There are a lot of things that you can ask Alexa to do. Here are some of our favorites. 

Amazon's Alexa can keep you and your family entertained if you know the right words.

Seeing a strange-colored light on your Echo? Here's what it means.

 

How to use Alexa to make voice and video calls

You don't need an Echo in order to use Alexa; you can access the voice assistant from Amazon's Alexa app, too.

iPhone users haven't been left out! Here's how to get Alexa on your iOS device.

Reach out and touch someone using Amazon's assistant.

How to make a video call using the Echo Show
Stay in touch with video calls on your Echo Show, no matter the model.

How to change the background picture on Echo Show
Personalize the background of your Echo Show by adding your own photos.


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