Amazon Echo Smart Speaker User Instructions
Plug in your Echo
Plug the included power adapter into Echo and then into a power outlet. A blue light ring will begin to spin around the top. In about a minute, the light ring will change to orange and Echo will greet you.
Download the Echo App
Download the free app to your phone or tablet. Start the download process in your mobile browser at: www.amazon.com/echo setup Opening the app will immediately start the setup process. During setup, you will connect Echo to the Internet, so you will need your Wi-Fi password.
Getting to know Echo
Microphone off button
Press this button to turn off the microphones. The light ring will turn red. Press it again to turn the microphones back on.
Light ring
The color of the light ring indicates what Echo is doing. When the light ring is blue, Echo is ready for your requests.
Volume ring
Turn the dial clockwise to increase the volume. The light ring fills in as the volume increases.
Action button
You can use this button to turn off the alarm and timer. You can also use this button to wake up Echo.
Getting started with Echo
Where to put your Echo
Echo works best when placed in a central location, at least eight inches from any walls. You can put Echo in a variety of places—on a kitchen counter, the end table in your living room, or a bedroom nightstand.
Talking to Echo
“Alexa” is the word you say to get Echo’s attention. Say this “wake word” and then tell Echo what you want to do. You can change your wake word to “Amazon” from the Echo App.
Echo App
The app helps you get more out of your Echo, and is available for Fire OS, Android, iOS, and web. You can use the app to manage your lists, music, settings, and see an overview of all your requests.
Things to Try
The Things to Try card included in this guide provides examples of things you can ask Echo. Keep this card to help you get started.
Give us your feedback
Echo will improve over time, giving you access to new features and ways to get things done. We want to hear from you about your experiences. Use the Echo App to send us feedback or e-mail echo-feedback@amazon.com.
Things to Try
News, Weather, & Traffic
Customize these features in the Echo App.
- Alexa, what’s my Flash Briefing?
- Alexa, play NPR.
- Alexa, what’s the weather?
- Alexa, will it rain tomorrow?
- Alexa, how is my commute looking?
Alarms & Timers
- Alexa, set the alarm for 7 a.m.
- Alexa, set the timer for 45 minutes.
- Alexa, snooze.
Calendar
- Link your calendar on the Echo App.
- Alexa, what’s on my calendar tomorrow?
- Alexa, when is my next meeting?
Prime Music
Play music from the Prime catalog for free.
- Alexa, play some Prime Music.
- Alexa, play some relaxing music.
- Alexa, play my Jimi Hendrix station.
- Alexa, add this to my library.
Sports
- Alexa, did DC United win?
- Alexa, what is the score of Cubs game?
- Alexa, when do the Seattle Seahawks play next?
Music
- Alexa, play my Cold play station from Pandora.
- Alexa, like this song.
Alexa, play Ho Hey by The Lumineers. - Alexa, play a Miranda Lambert station.
- Alexa, play music by Bruno Mars.
Shows, Podcasts, & Radio
- Alexa, play the program Radio lab.
- Alexa, play ESPN Radio.
- Alexa, play Z100 on iHeart Radio.
Audible Audio books
- Alexa, play the book The Hunger Games.
- Alexa, read my audio book.
Connected Home
Use Hue and WeMo devices with Echo. To get started, go to Settings in the Echo App.
- Alexa, turn on the coffee maker.
- Alexa, dim Hue lights to 30%.
