Ad — Using Alexa for reminders, communication and information

What Alexa is and what you need

Alexa is Amazon’s voice assistant. An Echo is a device you can speak to; an Echo Show also has a screen. For these features, you normally need power, a working internet connection, an Amazon account and the Alexa app for setup and settings. Ask for help if needed. Features and menu names vary by device, account, software and country. This guide does not require Alexa+ features.

Start with one useful reminder

Choose something you want to remember. For example, say: “Alexa, remind me to get ready at 9 am every Monday.” Listen to the time Alexa confirms and correct any mistake. You can also create or change reminders in the Alexa app under More, then Reminders. A reminder normally sounds on the device where you set it; you can choose the device in the app. Practise with a reminder due in a few minutes, at a volume you can hear.

Choose prompts that work for you

Examples include getting ready for an appointment, feeding a pet or making a planned phone call. A timer counts down a length of time; a reminder says what you planned to do. Phone reminder notifications need to be enabled. A prompt does not show that the task was completed. If you use medicine reminders, keep following your agreed medicine instructions and support arrangements. Agree another way to remember essential tasks if you miss an alert or the device is unavailable.

Set up ordinary calls and messages

In the Alexa app, open More, then Communicate, and follow the setup steps, including verifying your mobile number. You can choose whether to import phone contacts. Check the intended contact and practise together. Supported Echo devices and the Alexa app can call or send Alexa messages to other Alexa Communication users. A compatible Echo Show can support video calls. Ordinary Alexa messages are different from phone text messages; do not assume every contact can receive them.

Practise answering and ending a call

Try “Alexa, call Sam”, using the saved name of someone who agreed to a practice call. For an incoming ordinary call, say “Alexa, answer”. To finish, say “Alexa, hang up”. Check that Alexa has selected the correct person. Calls to some ordinary phone numbers are supported, but availability and number restrictions apply.

Understand Drop In before turning it on

Drop In works like an intercom. Once permitted, it can connect automatically without you answering. It may carry sound and, on compatible screens, video. Agree whether you want it, who can use it and which rooms are suitable. Household permissions can include devices at another address on the same household account. You can use ordinary calls and leave Drop In off. In the app, select your Echo device, Settings, Communications, then Drop In to turn it off.

Ask everyday questions

Try “Alexa, what is the weather today?” or “Alexa, what does appointment mean?” Alexa can also give news and calendar information where the relevant features are set up. Ask for slower speech if needed. Check important answers with the original service or someone qualified to help; a confident answer can be wrong or out of date. Do not rely on a spoken answer alone for health, money or legal decisions.

Make speaking and listening easier

Say “Alexa, speak slower” to slow its replies. Adaptive Listening gives you extra time to finish your own words: in the app, look under More, Settings, Accessibility and Adaptive Listening Mode, then choose the device. These are different settings. Try them at your pace, in the room where you will use Alexa. Keep a short list or picture card of useful phrases if that helps.

Use the screen if speaking is difficult

On compatible Echo devices with a screen, Tap to Alexa lets you use on-screen tiles or type a request with Ask Alexa. Look in the device’s Accessibility settings. Ask to try the controls before choosing a device. Check the volume, screen and input method work for you. A smart speaker is not a replacement for a communication aid you need.

Choose privacy and spending settings

Decide what help you want with your account and who may change settings. Reminders spoken aloud can be heard by others nearby, so choose their wording carefully. The microphone-off button stops the device hearing voice requests until you turn it on again. Where fitted, use the camera cover when you want privacy. In the app, More, Alexa Privacy and Review Alexa History let you inspect and delete saved history. Ask for help to check shopping permissions and any paid services before agreeing to charges.

Keep another way to get help

Standard Alexa Communication cannot call 999 or 112. Keep a mobile, landline or another agreed emergency-contact method available. An Alexa emergency contact is a chosen person, not an emergency service, and they may not answer. These communication features need a working connection. Agree what to do during a power or internet failure. Technology should support the help you need; changing care arrangements requires a separate discussion and assessment.

Make a plan with someone you choose

Start with one reminder, one contact and one question. Practise correcting mistakes, stopping a reply and ending a call. Agree who can help with setup, updates or problems. Review whether the device helps you and whether you still want each feature. Supporters should explain choices and avoid enabling automatic access simply because it is convenient for them.

Ad — Using Alexa

Getting started

Reminders

Keeping in touch

Choose who can connect

Finding information

Make Alexa easier to use

Your privacy

Getting urgent help

What you can do next

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