Start guide - How to Setup your Amazon Alexa?

How to Setup your Amazon Alexa?

If you have bought your first Amazon Echo smart speaker or other Amazon Alexa devices, it can be difficult for you to get started. The lack of a user-friendly interface can make it hard to set up and it becomes difficult for beginners to know what to ask Alexa and what to tell the new voice assistant to do. That is why we are here with a complete guide about how to set up Amazon Alexa. If you don't know what Amazon Echo is, please check out our article here.

Before you get started with Amazon Alexa

Before configuring your Amazon Echo, you need to find the right place for your device. Make sure that it is placed at a central location such as the living room, kitchen countertop, or bedside table. You need to find a place where your device is easy to catch Wi-Fi signals; free of microwave ovens and walls as they affect optimum function.

How to Setup Alexa with Amazon Echo?

Amazon Echo smart speaker connects to Alexa to set timers and alarms, play music, answer general questions, ask the weather, control smart home devices, and many more. Here is a complete guide to set up your Amazon Echo device with Alexa.

STEP 1: Download the Alexa app on your smartphone

The very first thing you need to do, even before installing the Amazon Echo device, is to download the Alexa app on your smartphone either iPhone or Android. Without the Amazon Alexa app, your Echo smart speaker is useless. When you have downloaded the Alexa app, plug your echo smart speaker into the switch with the help of a charger available in the box.

STEP 2: Add Amazon Echo device to the Alexa app

Now add your new Amazon Echo smart speaker to the Alexa app so that you can start using it. To do this, launch the application on your smartphone, choose the devices option, and tap the plus sign on the top right corner. Now select add devices, then Amazon Echo, and select the name of the device you want to add.

STEP 3: Connect your Echo device to Wi-Fi

The next step involves connecting your Echo device to the Wi-Fi. Connect it with your office or home Wi-Fi network. When the Echo device is connected to Wi-Fi, it will say "your Echo is ready." Now select continue in the Amazon Alexa app to go to the next step.

Step 4: Say 'Alexa'

Now you can ask the Amazon Echo device to respond to your requests. You can also modify the wake word from Alexa to Amazon, Echo, or any other word you like using the Alexa app via Settings; Device Settings; [Your Echo]; Wake Word. You can also connect the Amazon Echo device to your external speakers, music apps, and other Echo devices around your house.

Set the location of your Echo device

As we said earlier, you have to choose the location to place your Echo device. Once you decided the place, you have to input your location to your Amazon Echo. Location can be your home address or zip code. It will help you get an accurate description when you ask Alexa about the weather. The location settings can be changed by selecting Devices; the name of the speaker; and Device Location. 

Add your email and calendar

Alexa, an Amazon’s assistant can send you recent updates remind you about upcoming events and assist you in managing your schedule. To get these benefits, you need to link your email account via the Alexa app. Go to settings; Calendar and Email; and then choose from Microsoft, Microsoft Exchange, Google, and Apple.

Set up Flash Briefing

Similar to news preferences on television, your Echo device can tell you news from your preferred sources. You are required to select settings; flash briefing and then choose the sources where you want to hear news from. You will various options including CNN, NPR, Fox News, and much more.

Set up your preferred music streaming service

You can listen to music when your Amazon Echo is set up but if you want to listen to Apple Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, or other streaming services, you have to link the service. To add a music streaming service, go to settings; Music and Podcasts, and add a service. After you link music streaming services, you will say "Alexa, play music" and the device will play music from the streaming service you choose.

Let Alexa know your voice

When Alexa knows you a bit better, it will provide you with more personalized answers. You will have to set up a voice profile to let Alexa distinguish your voice from other users at your home. To let Amazon Alexa know your voice, go to Alexa app on your smartphone and open Settings; Account Settings; Recognized Voices, and Create a voice profile by following the prompt messages on the screen and read all four phrases aloud. Then you can ask Alexa who am I? And it will tell you who is speaking. You can also add the voice of other members of your family.

Enable follow-up mode

When multiple commands are given to Alexa, it will simply say, “Hmm, I don’t know about that.” But with follow up mode enabled, you can ask questions consecutively without saying "Alexa" each time. You can enable it simply by saying "Alexa, enable follow-up mode."

Turn on voice purchasing

If you want to purchase something from Amazon but your hands are busy to open use your smartphone, you can ask Alexa to do it. You have to turn on voice ordering and one-click ordering so that Amazon can purchase it for you. Go to settings on Amazon app and then account settings; voice purchasing and turn on the voice purchase setting. You can also generate a voice code so that it is only you who can make Amazon purchases using the Echo device.

Explore everything your Amazon Echo can do

Once everything is set up in your new Amazon Echo smart device, you can explore and experience everything Alexa can do for you. Use the Alexa app to add more smart home devices, download new skills, drop in on friends, and more.