Whether you’re about to set up your first smart speaker that someone kindly gave you for Christmas, or you want to know the right way to get Alexa working, you’ve come to the right place. Alexa is available on more devices than smart speakers: the assistant is built into Amazon’s Fire tablets, Echo Buds headphones, Echo Auto for cars, and even some dash cams.
The process of setting up a new Alexa device is easier than ever. The first step is to install the free Alexa app on your phone. If you don’t already have it, go to the Play Store on an Android phone or the App Store on an iPhone and search for Alexa.
The other thing you’ll need is an Amazon account, as you need to log into the Alexa app and the Echo speakers need to be connected to that account.
If you don’t have an account, simply register at www.amazon.co.uk/account. You no need be an Amazon Prime subscriber to use Alexa, but you’ll miss a few features, such as the ability to play music from Amazon’s library.
But that’s not the only music source: Alexa can play music from other services like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as free from internet radio stations.
If the device you’re setting up isn’t made by Amazon, you can still set it up in the Alexa app, but check the quick start guide that comes in the box to see if a different app needs to be used.
Here are the basic steps to set up an Amazon Echo:
- Install the Amazon Alexa app on your phone and sign in with your Amazon account
- Plug in your Echo’s power supply and turn on the switch at the outlet
- Open the Alexa app. You may see a notification that an Echo is ready to be set up. Press it.
- If you don’t see a notification, tap More (bottom right), then tap Add Device
- Tap Amazon Echo
- Choose the appropriate model and follow the on-screen instructions
- Once Alexa is connected to your Wi-Fi network, setup is complete
The setup process is slightly different if you have an Echo Show – Amazon’s smart displays that have a touchscreen as well as speakers. Below are specific setup instructions for Echo Show.
How to Set Up an Amazon Echo Speaker
To note: if you have multiple Echo devices, each must be set up individually in the Alexa app.
After unpacking your Echo, remove the plastic wrap, attach the power cable, and plug the power supply into an AC outlet.
Plug in your Alexa device
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After turning on the power at the AC outlet, you will see lights on the device, and after a short while Alexa should greet you and tell you to follow the instructions in the Alexa app. If you haven’t already, install the Amazon Alexa app on your Android phone or iPhone. You can also use the Alexa app on an Amazon Fire tablet.
Wait for the popup window
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When you open the Alexa app, you might see a pop-up message asking you to set up your new Echo. If so, tap Continue.
If there is no pop-up, add a new device manually
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If you don’t see the prompt from Step 1, tap More (labeled 1), then Add Device (2).
Tap Amazon Echo (3), then Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus and more (4).
Choose your Echo model
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Make sure there’s an amber light on your Echo, indicating it’s in setup mode. If not, you may need to reset it.
When you have the amber light, tap Yes, then tap the exact Echo model you have listed. This should be clearly marked on the box it came in.
Connect Echo to Wi-Fi
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The app will search for devices and you should see your new Echo appear in the list.
Tap it, then wait while the Echo scans for available networks to connect to. Tap on your Wi-Fi network and, if prompted, enter the network password and after a short while you’ll see a screen confirming that the Echo is connected.
Alexa should announce that there is an internet connection and the app will prompt you to select the language to use.
Enter your address and select a room
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Next, you’ll be asked for your address, so you can get local weather forecasts and other location-based information, such as how long it will take you to get to work or elsewhere. Finally, tell the app which room you placed the Echo in. It is for various things such as grouping smart devices and playing music.
At the end of the setup process, you will see the screen above. Tap Let’s go to finish.
What to do once Alexa is configured
On your Echo, Alexa should walk you through a few functions, including showing you how to set an alarm and reminder, what the alarm sounds like, and more.
In the app, you might see a prompt to set up smart home devices (which can be smart plugs, smart lights, or other gadgets).
You can tap Skip if you don’t have one or Yes if you have one and are ready to set it up.
For more information on what you can say and what’s on offer, check out our guide to how to use Alexa.
Should I say “Alexa”?
No, but the default wake word is Alexa. You can change it to “Amazon”, “Echo” or “Computer” by going to settings in the Alexa app. In the US you can also choose “Ziggy”, and in some countries you can activate “Hey Santa”, which is fun at Christmas, but a little weird at other times of the year.
You cannot choose your own wake word.
To find voice settings, tap Devices (1), Echo & Alexa (2), then select your Echo from the list (3). Tap the settings cog (4), then scroll down to Wake Word (5) and tap the word you want to use.
Each echo has its own settings so you can have different wake words for each.
There are other settings here such as Alexa voice where you can choose between Original (female) and New (male).
Tip: You can also ask Alexa to whisper her responses.
How to set up an Echo Show
For Echos with screens, you don’t need the Alexa app for setup. Simply plug in the power and follow the on-screen instructions. An on-screen keyboard allows you to enter your Amazon account details and Wi-Fi password.
You can swipe down from the top of the screen on an Echo Show (or Spot) to access settings and shortcuts. This is the fastest way to update Wi-Fi password or network if you ever change your router or Wi-Fi name.
How to Reset an Echo
If your Echo won’t set up, try resetting it. The reset procedure is different for each device, so see Amazon’s instructions here. However, in most cases, just press and hold the “action” button, which is the one with a little dot on it. Hold it for about 6-10 seconds until you see the orange light and Alexa announces “Now in setup mode”.
Tips for getting the most out of Alexa
Now that your Echo is set up, you’ll want to know what to say. This is covered in our separate guide on how to use Alexa.
You can also use Alexa to make voice and video calls to friends and family.
It’s great for the basics, but comes into its own when paired with compatible gadgets, such as lights, thermostats, switches and more. When you’ve got your hands full, it’s really useful to be able to say “Alexa, turn on the lights” when you walk into a dark room.
If Alexa can’t control something directly and asks you to enable a skill, you may need to use its name in your command.
If you have a Nest thermostat, for example, you can’t just say, “Alexa, set the heat to 20 degrees.”
Instead, you have to say “Alexa, set the [name of thermostat] at 20 degrees” or “Alexa, do it [name of thermostat] hotter “.
Whenever possible, change the names of your devices to be simple and short so that Alexa can recognize and understand them more easily.
We’ve also compiled a list of fun things to say to Alexa as well as the best games to play on Alexa.
If you see flashing yellow, purple, or other lights on your Echo, here’s what all the colors mean.
We’ve also rounded up some useful tips and tricks for getting the most out of Alexa.
Here’s a look at all the current Echo models, should you decide you want some extra smart speakers in your home.
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