However, all Echo devices respond similarly when spoken to.
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ll find enough skills related to productivity, home, design, entertainment, and learning to never feel bored—and most of them are completely free.
