Getting to know Echo
Getting started with Echo
Things to Try
1. 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.
Plug in Echo
2. 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/echosetup
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.
Microphone
Action
Microphone
o button
Light ring
Volume
Power adapter
Power LED
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.
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.
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?
Lists: To-do & Shopping
Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.
Alexa, I need to make a birthday cake.
Alexa, what’s on my to-do list?
Shop Amazon
Order items from Amazon.com
Alexa, re-order laundry detergent.
Alexa, buy more toothpaste.
Questions & Answers
Alexa, tell me a joke.
Alexa, how tall is the Empire State Building?
Alexa, how many ounces are in a cup?
Alexa, what’s the definition of serendipity?
Alexa, when is Mother’s Day?
Alexa, Wikipedia: Abraham Lincoln.
Alexa, what is the time in Moscow?
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 Coldplay 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.
Discover & Buy Music
Alexa, what song is this?
Alexa, what was Bob Dylan’s first album?
Alexa, buy this song.
Shows, Podcasts, & Radio
Alexa, play the program Radiolab.
Alexa, play ESPN Radio.
Alexa, play Z100 on iHeartRadio.
Audible Audiobooks
Alexa, play the book The Hunger Games.
Alexa, read my audiobook.
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%.
Use These Anytime
Alexa, pair my Bluetooth.
Alexa, stop.
Alexa, volume five. (1–10)
Alexa, cancel.
Alexa, repeat.
For more examples, go to Help in
the Echo App.