Select the Echo & Alexa icon. On the Device Settings screen, select Communication. Tap on Calling & Messaging to enable Drop-in and announcements for the selected device. The Reverb app is a great way to access Alexa remotely, without having to be right beside the Echo speaker.
Full Answer
How do I use Alexa to control my smart home devices?
However, there’s an easier, more streamlined way: you can connect all your smart home gadgets to your Amazon Echo device, then tell Alexa to control them.
How do I connect my smart thermostat to Alexa?
Launch the Alexa app, then tap the menu located in the upper left. Select Smart Home, then choose the Get More Smart Home Skills option, which is visible after you swipe down. Find the brand name of your smart thermostat and tap it. Then, select Enable Skill.
Do you need a hub for Alexa home automation?
If you are planning to build a smart home automation system, setting-up a hub is almost a prerequisite. The biggest advantage of having a hub is that you can add numerous Alexa-controlled smart devices to it and have one-point access to control the multiple devices.
What can you do with Amazon Alexa on a smart TV?
Relax and be confident that you can keep an eye on what’s happening with the Amazon Alexa app, no matter where you are. Smart TVs let you use your voice to open streaming apps, change the channel, adjust the volume, and more when paired with an Alexa-enabled device.
Can I access Alexa remotely?
You can control an Echo device remotely by choosing it from the Alexa app. You can talk to Alexa from the iOS or Android app; iPhone, iPad, and Android users can interact with Alexa via an app called Reverb for Amazon Alexa. Or you can purchase an Amazon remote control that lets you control your Echo.
Can you eavesdrop with Alexa?
Amazon Alexa allows strangers to eavesdrop, transcribe and store your private conversations – here's how to stop it.
Can you use Alexa as a spy camera?
In addition to using an Echo Show as a security camera, you can also connect various other security camera devices and view them through the Alexa app or directly on an Echo Show. You can connect security cameras like Blink, video doorbells like Ring, and many others to Alexa.
How do you control someone else's Alexa?
Guest Connect must be enabled on the Echo Device you're trying to connect to. To get started, activate Guest Connect under Your Profile in the Alexa app Settings. With Guest Connect enabled, Alexa uses Bluetooth to discover compatible Echo devices you can connect to.
What color does Alexa turn when someone is listening?
BlueBlue means your Echo is listening to or responding to a voice command. Yellow is a message, reminder, or notification alert, green is a call or Drop In, and purple (usually) indicates Do Not Disturb mode. White signals volume changes or Alexa Guard switching to Away mode.
Can Alexa drop in silently?
No, you can't silently eavesdrop with Alexa's drop in feature. When someone drops in to an Alexa-enabled device, that device makes a distinct ringing noise and continuously flashes a green-light, for as long as the drop in occurs. Neither can be turned off.
How can you tell if someone has dropped in on Alexa?
Use Drop In to open an instant conversation between your devices or with your Alexa contacts. When you receive a Drop In, the light indicator on your Echo pulses green and you connect to your contact automatically.
Can Alexa hear conversations?
The short answer is yes, Alexa is always listening to you. Or rather the microphone on your Alexa smart speaker is always active (by default, at least) and is constantly monitoring voices in your home in order to hear its wake word.
How do I connect to Alexa that's not yours?
In the Alexa app, go to More > Settings > Your Profile & Family and select your name. Tap Guest Connect, then select the name of your host's Echo under the Available Connections section. Tap the Join button to access the Echo.
How do you secretly drop in on Alexa?
No, you can't silently eavesdrop with Alexa's drop in feature. When someone drops in to an Alexa-enabled device, that device makes a distinct ringing noise and continuously flashes a green-light, for as long as the drop in occurs. Neither can be turned off.
How do you know if Alexa is eavesdropping?
First, open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. Tap into the menu bar on the left-hand side and then tap Settings. Next tap Alexa Privacy, and then go into Review Voice History. This is where you can check up on all of the voice recordings Alexa has captured for you.
Try saying
"Alexa, discover my device." After you set up a device, Alexa can help you connect it.
Start your smart home
From lights and plugs to thermostats and cameras, Alexa can help make your home smarter and more automated by simplifying your everyday routines.
Connecting devices to Alexa
Creating a connected home is easy. Simply plug in and power on your new smart home device. Then say, “Alexa, discover devices.” You can also add devices through the Amazon Alexa app:
Expand your smart home
Smart lights let you control your connected lights through your phone or by voice when paired with Alexa. You can create timers and routines to automate your entire smart home lighting setup.
Routines are shortcuts for Alexa
Alexa Routines make several things happen with a single request, so you can do more in fewer steps. For example, in the morning you could have Alexa turn on the lights, read the news, and announce any appointments on your calendar for the day.
Alexa Guard can help you keep your home safe
Set up Guard for free in the Alexa app to get mobile alerts if your Echo device detects the sound of a smoke alarm or glass breaking while you’re away. You can also subscribe to Guard Plus for even more help protecting your home—like an Emergency Helpline you can call with just your voice.
Fewer things to think about with Hunches
With Hunches, Alexa can give you helpful suggestions about your connected smart devices. For example, if you forget to lock a door, Alexa can let you know. You can also choose to have Alexa proactively act on her hunches without having to ask.
How to set up Alexa remote?
To set up the voice remote, first insert the batteries to power it up. Then open the Alexa app. Tap the hamburger icon () and tap Settings > Device Settings. Tap the Echo device you want to pair with the remote. Tap the option for Echo Remote.
How much does a voice remote cost for Alexa?
For $29.99 (currently on sale for $19.99), the voice remote connects to your Echo via Bluetooth and includes a microphone you can use to talk to Alexa when you're not near the device. The remote also offers buttons to raise the volume, lower the volume, play, pause, go back to the previous track, and jump ahead to the next track.
How to listen to music on Alexa?
Through the app, you can tune up music or audiobooks on any of your online Echo devices. Open the app on your mobile device. At the home screen, tap the hamburger icon () and select Music & Books. At the Music & Books screen, tap the link to Browse Music.
How to set up reminders on Echo?
You can also set up reminders and similar content on your selected Echo device. Return to the main screen and tap the hamburger icon () again. Tap Reminders & Alarms. Tap the drop-down arrow and choose the Echo device you want to use. Tap one of the three links – Reminders, Alarms, or Timers. You can now add a reminder, create an alarm, or set a timer, and the item you set up will sound off on the Echo device you selected.
Can you talk to Alexa?
Well, you can still talk to Alexa, run various tasks, and access different types of content. You can control an Echo device remotely by choosing it from the Alexa app. You can talk to Alexa from the iOS or Android app; iPhone, iPad, and Android users can interact with Alexa via an app called Reverb for Amazon Alexa.
Can you tell Alexa to do something?
The app then asks what you're looking for. You can now tell Alexa what you want her to do. Amazon would certainly be happy if you started ordering products. But again, you can tell Alexa to do many other things, such as play an album from Amazon Music, search for something on the internet, or access any other skill that you would normally access directly from your Echo device.
Can you talk to Alexa through the remote?
You can now talk to your Echo device through the remote, telling Alexa to play music, serve up information, and tap into all her other skills and abilities. If you have more than one Echo device, note that you can pair the remote with only one device at a time.
Where can I put my Alexa?
Next important step is to finalize a spot or location to place the Echo. It can be put anywhere in the house as long as it falls within the Wi-Fi range and has a power outlet connected to it. The rule of the thumb is to decide which location of the house you are going to use Alexa more often.
How does Alexa tell what a new device connected to the hub can do?
They tell Alexa what a new device connected to the hub can do and allows you to control various devices by simply giving commands to Alexa. After connecting a new smart device to Alexa, you just need to ask Alexa to search for the skill or you may do it manually by adding the skill to your Alexa app on a smartphone.
What does Zigbee do on Echo Plus?
So, what does it exactly do? In the Echo Plus, Zigbee controller enables you to set up your smart gadgets without having to follow the manufacturer’s rule. Zigbee empowers your Echo Plus to directly communicate with the smart devices and recognize its identity. With it, you can directly control a device without activating its app or requiring a hub.
What smart bulbs work with Alexa?
If you are using another smart assistant, you may want to check for that too. Some of the smart lighting brands that work with Alexa are Philips Hue and Lifx Mini Wi-Fi Smart Bulb.
How do smart speakers work?
Customers are often confused between smart speakers and smart hubs, so here is the answer to help clear the confusion. The smart speakers are activated by voice while the hubs need an app. To start using a smart speaker, you will need to use voice commands or ask questions. For example:
How long does it take Alexa to scan for new devices?
Alexa will scan new recognizable devices in the radar for 10 seconds and add them to Alexa app. You can then start controlling your smart devices with Alexa. In some cases, you may have to do this manually by adding a special skill to Alexa app. To enable skills, go to Smart Home Skills’ in Alexa app and then search for the skill you want to enable such as Nest, Lutron, and Philips.
What is smart plug?
Smart plugs are perhaps the most basic smart devices you can get for your futuristic home. I have several smart plugs around the house to smarten-up otherwise ordinary devices and appliances such as the lamp, washing machine, and fans.
What is the best way to control Alexa?
While there are certainly plenty of great smart speakers out there, the Amazon Echo (4th gen) is the best option for Alexa voice control.
What is the best home security camera for Alexa?
Ring’s Indoor Security Camera is the best home security camera to pair with Alexa. With an Amazon Echo smart display like the Echo Show 10, you can pull up a live view of your camera’s feed instantly and use two-way talk to communicate from the display to your camera and vice versa. The live stream can also be viewed in the Ring app, which includes mandatory two-factor authentication to keep your private moments secure from others.
What is the best switch for home lighting?
The Lutron Caséta Smart Switches are the best you can buy, especially if you're looking for a remote-controlled whole-home smart lighting system.
What is the best dimmer switch for Alexa?
The Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Starter Kit is the best in-wall dimmer switch that works with Alexa, offering a near-perfect experience with buttery-smooth dimming and a very polished, responsive app.
What is the best doorbell for Alexa?
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is one of the best video doorbells that works with Alexa. It offers useful smart features at no additional cost like Quick Replies and color Pre-Roll video clips that enhance the overall experience. Because of the multiple installation options (hardwired or battery), this doorbell can be installed pretty much anywhere in a matter of minutes, something many video doorbells can’t match.
Does Google Nest thermostat work with Alexa?
A great smart thermostat like the Google Nest Thermostat is the easiest way to control the temperature in your home from anywhere, and it even works with Alexa. We love the smart thermostat’s sleek, intuitive design and robust set of smart features like changing the temperature via the thermostat's dial, using the Nest app, or by asking Alexa.
Can Alexa turn lights on?
Using Amazon’s smart assistant, you can turn the lights on/off, change the color, activate a preset lighting scene, and adjust the brightness. During our tests, the strip light responded immediately to our Alexa commands and offered one of the speediest setups. (It also works with Apple HomeKit and Google Home.)
How many Alexa devices are there?
To get this kind of integrated experience, you need devices that work with Alexa, but with more than 145,000 Alexa-compatible devices out there, which should you choose?
Is the Roomba S9+ good?
This is also a self-emptying model that empties its dustbin into a dirt bag, no hands required. This Roomba offers voice control via Amazon Alexa (as well as Google Assistant) so you can ask your digital assistant to start cleaning for you. The S9+ earns a Good rating for data privacy and a Very Good rating for data security.
Urgent Response
With Alexa Together, the aging customer gets 24/7 hands-free access to an Urgent Response professional emergency helpline. During an emergency, they can say, “Alexa, call for help,” to connect with a trained agent who can request the dispatch of police, the fire department, or an ambulance.
Fall detection response
Alexa Together works with third-party devices from Assistive Technology Service (ATS) and Vayyar that can detect when a customer has fallen or needs help, and prompt Alexa to ask if the customer wants to call Urgent Response and notify the caregiver.
Activity feed and alerts
The high-level activity feed and custom alerts help reassure caregivers that their loved one is up and going about their day, while the aging customer can have the peace of mind, knowing that their family member can easily stay connected. The aging customer can just use Alexa and connected smart home devices as they normally would.
Remote Assist
Alexa Together includes a Remote Assist feature that the aging customer can choose to enable.
Designed with privacy in mind
As with Alexa and all Echo devices, Alexa Together is designed with multiple layers of privacy protection. The aging customer will need to allow access for the caregiver to use features like Remote Assist.
Getting started
Customers can sign up for the new service by visiting Amazon.com/AlexaTogether. Either the person providing or receiving support can start the sign-up process, and both customers will need to complete the process to create the relationship.
How to get Alexa to work on smart thermostat?
Launch the Alexa app, then tap the menu located in the upper left. Select Smart Home, then choose the Get More Smart Home Skills option, which is visible after you swipe down. Find the brand name of your smart thermostat and tap it. Then, select Enable Skill .
What smart plugs work with Alexa?
The setup process varies slightly by smart outlet brand, but you can get started by purchasing a type of smart plug that works with Alexa. The TP-Link Smart Plug is a great example.
How to connect Schlage smart lock to Wi-Fi?
The first step involves installing a Wi-Fi adapter within 40 feet of the smart lock. Next, download the Schlage Sense Android or iOS app and create an account. Use the app to connect the Wi-Fi adapter to the lock.
How to add more than one smart light to Alexa?
To do that, go back to the Smart Home section of the Alexa app. Then, tap the Groups header near the top of the screen. Next, choose Add Group, then Smart Home Group and give the group a name.
What does the plus sign mean on Alexa?
There’s also an Add Device option accompanied by a plus sign (+). Tapping Add Device triggers Alexa to search for new Wi-Fi enabled smart home products. Soon, you should see your new lights (assuming you already have them up and running) appear on the list.
Which brands have Alexa?
Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell are some of the top brands that offer smart thermostats controlled by your Amazon Echo. All those companies have Alexa Skills to enable, and if you purchase an Alexa-enabled thermostat from a different brand, expect to go through these same steps.
Can Alexa unlock my door?
But the fact that they can only lock it is presumably to prevent a criminal from shouting a command to gain access or otherwise making a burglary easier to pull off.
