15 Alexa commands you wish you knew sooner

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We are firmly in the era of smart speakers. Maybe you’re relying on Siri or the assistant built into your phone, but you probably also have a full-fledged AI assistant in your house.

Alexa, integrated with Amazon Echo, is everywhere. If you have an echo, there’s a good chance that Alexa has knocked you up the wall once or twice with the follow-up questions. Tap or click here for 5 Quick Solutions to Amazon Echo Problems.

While you dig into the settings, don’t ignore security. Tap or click to access essential privacy settings you need to check right now, including who can turn on your Echo’s camera and see what you’re doing.

With that squared, here are some ideas for some new, fun, useful, and smart ways to use your smart speaker.

1. Use Alexa to make phone calls

Stop holding your phone when making a call and use your Echo as a speakerphone. Put Alexa to work. You will be able to access most mobile and landline numbers here in the US

Open the Alexa app and tap Communicate, then the Contacts icon followed by Manage contacts icon.
Tap Add contact and enter a name and number. Repeat for any other contacts you want to add.
You can also choose Import contacts to make it easier.
Do you have a number but no contact details? Just say the number and Alexa will make the call.

2. Tell Alexa to watch out for burglars

Alexa Guard is like a pair of ears that you can leave at home. Your Echo device will listen for sounds and alert you if necessary.

Open the Alexa app and tap the After icon at the bottom right, then Settings.
Tap Guard> Configure sound detection.
Switch between the smart alerts you want to activate and tap To confirm.

When you leave the house, say, “Alexa, I’m leaving”. When you get home, say “Alexa, I’m home”.

3. Use Alexa as an intercom in your home

Do you remember those old intercom systems in the big houses? Think of this command as the modern version.

Just say, “Alexa, go on all devices.” Wait for the dial tone, then speak. You can also target a single device by saying, “Alexa, switch to [device name]. “

4. Watch your favorite show or movie

With an Echo Show or Spot and an Amazon Prime Video account, you can watch and stream directly to your smart speaker. If you don’t have a Prime Video account, try it free for 30 days with this link. You can also stream Netflix, Hulu, NBC, and other services.

Try commands such as “Show me my video library”, “Show me (title)”, or “Show me movies with (actor)”.

5. Ask Alexa to share a photo of you

If you have an Echo device with a screen, like the Show, you can take a photo and send it to another Echo user.

Open the Alexa app and tap Communicate, then the Share camera icon.
Tap Camera and take your selfie.
Select a contact or device and press Share.

6. Tell Alexa to lock the doors, including the garage door.

Secure your doors in a few words. You will need a smart lock to do this. Tap or click here for our list of the best smart locks. If you are looking for a smart garage door opener, the Chamberlain MYQ is an affordable and reliable option.

Instructions for setting up your lock and garage door will vary, but you will likely say, “Alexa, lock the (front door)”. You will need to do a little more work to set up voice commands for the garage. See the steps here.

7. Ask Alexa to launch your audiobook

You might be used to listening to audiobooks on your phone with a pair of headphones, but Alexa can read your book as well.

Open the Alexa app and tap the To play button.
Next to Audible Library, tap See everything. Choose your book, then select the speaker you want it to be read on.
Or say “Alexa, read [title of book] by Audible. “

Not an Audible member? You can try Audible Plus free for 30 days.

8. Tell Alexa you need white noise to sleep.

Does your husband snore? Or maybe you just can’t stop hearing every creak and whine in your house.

Search for “white noise” or “sleep sounds” in the Alexa app and turn on the ones you like, or say “Alexa, play sleep sounds” for options.

Try to be more specific, like “Alexa, play sleep sounds in the rain”. Soothing!

9. Ask Alexa to update you from sources you trust

You can ask Alexa to read the news, but what if you want a specific source? You can configure this.

Open the Alexa app and tap the After icon, then Settings.
Scroll down to select News, then touch Edit beside My news channel.
Add the desired channels.

When you want to listen to the news, say, “Alexa, read the news from [news source]. “

10. Lost your phone? Ask Alexa to find it

When you can’t find your phone, you usually ask someone else in your house to call you, right? What if you’re alone and can’t access another phone? Alexa can help.

Open the Alexa app and tap the After icon, then Skills and games.
Search Find my phone and choose from the list of skills.
Tap Launch to configure the skill.

11. Change Alexa’s voice or accent

Mix it up if the default voice has aged.

Open the Alexa app and tap the After icon, then Settings.
Tap Device settings and select your Echo device.
Tap Language and select from the list of languages and options, then press OKAY.

12. Play over 5,000 games with Alexa

Think about a game you grew up on. Chances are it’s an Alexa skill. Just say, “Alexa, open [name of the game]. “

There is tic tac toe, bingo, rock paper scissors, blackjack, 20 questions, memory match, room escape, true or false, Jeopardy !, Heads Up!

Make sure to check if the skill costs money before activating it.

13. Start your day with a personalized Alexa routine

Routines save you time by grouping together a set of actions. You can create personalized routines with Alexa to start your day or relax after work.

Open the Alexa app and tap the After icon.
Tap Routines> Create a routine and add name and commands with actions
You can also go to Routines> Featured to get ideas and inspiration.

Need help? We walk you through the process step by step here.

14. Ask Alexa to make you smile with a joke

Alexa’s repertoire ranges from cheesy to cringe-worthy. Use your imagination or get started with some of them:

Alexa, can you tell me a “yo mama” joke?
Alexa, what if you step on a Lego?
Alexa, why did the chicken cross the road?
Alexa, tell me a joke.

15. Ask Alexa to remember important events

If you don’t want to get your phone out, Alexa can remember specific dates and events for you.

Say “Alexa, remember…” followed by what you would like her to keep track of. For example, “Alexa, remember I have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday at 9 am” or “Alexa, remember I put the check on my bedside table”.

NEED A HAND WITH A SLOW PC, SMARTPHONE PROBLEMS OR A SOFTWARE PROBLEM YOU CANNOT CREATE? Post your technical questions to get concrete answers from me and other tech professionals. Visit my question and answer forum and get technical help now.

What questions are you asking yourself about the digital lifestyle? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Discover all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For his daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit his website at Komando.com.

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