Questions tagged [amazon-echo]

For questions about the Amazon Echo family, including the Echo and the Echo Dot in all versions. Use this tag when your question pertains to the device itself. Consider adding the [alexa] tag when your question is more about the cloud voice service that powers the Echo.

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Sengled Smart Plug with Echo dot

I bought a Sengled Smart Plug with Echo dot and I tried to connect them. Alexa found the device and there is a set-up option. I click it and follow instructions. It's finding the device, connecting, ...
Michał Piotrak's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
40 views

What does this Amazon echo light indicator mean?

My echo keeps showing this indicator. It goes on for a long while, stops some time later, but then I notice it's happening again.
black's user avatar
  • 111
0 votes
1 answer
33 views

Possible reasons why my Alexa turns on the wrong light

We have multiple IoT devices at home. For this explanation, we're concerned about the bedroom lights and kitchen lights. I have two Alexa devices, the main one is in the kitchen (Echo Show) and the ...
Aurora A's user avatar
  • 101
2 votes
0 answers
29 views

How to setup “my” AC on Alexa?

So I setup Alexa with multiple smart home ACs, one in my room and another in the guest room. I’ve given the name as Guest Room AC for that, and mine is Mohsin’s AC. But when I come home and say “Alexa,...
Saifur Rahman Mohsin's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
11 views

When I set the alarm on my Amazon Echo, it's also setting the alarm on the one in my son's room! How can i stop that please?

I'm not talking loudly when i set it or anything. It didn't use to happen - it's started in last few weeks yet we've had the echos for about 4 years.
Cary Labdon's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
249 views

How to create Alexa behavior on Echo Dot that is an alarm sound (or text-to-speech) that continues until dismissed

I bought a YoLink water sensor (leak detector). By following these steps, I was able to link it to my Alexa app and Echo Dot. Now, when water touches the sensor, Alexa sends a notification to my phone ...
Ryan's user avatar
  • 129
2 votes
0 answers
334 views

If device is on, turn it off (and vice versa) | Multi-Step Routines | Alexa

How to run an Alexa routine that checks the current status of a device, and changes it? Example: If LivingRoomLamp is on Then turn off LivingRoomLamp If LivingRoomLamp is off Then turn on ...
Greenreader9's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
717 views

How to make Amazon Echo device to control devices in the same room with the same name?

I have two Amazon Echo devices installed in two rooms. I have created groups and added devices of the rooms to their respective groups. But I have some devices with the same name. For example, I have ...
Debiprasad's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
634 views

Alexa won't turn on/off my lamp anymore

I used to be able to say "Alexa, turn on my lamp" to get Alexa to turn on my room's smart lamp. However, sometime last week, this command stopped working. Now, when I try it, Alexa says &...
shwin320's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
66 views

Incorrect answer from Alexa

I asked "Alexa, what's the distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles?". Alexa replied "11,711.8 kilometers away", which is absolutely incorrect. Why does this happen? Am I ...
Ashrith's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
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Playing No Agenda HD on Apple iTunes through Amazon Alexa

Periodically, I'll try to listen to a podcast with Alexa yet always get the same poor result. Until today. Now, it plays something called "no agenda ep.5" from Apple iTunes. Which is ...
Thufir's user avatar
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2 votes
0 answers
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How to find a specific BBC debate or podcast using Alexa and TuneIn?

Kinda silly, but looking at: This show will be available later. Please come back then. https://tunein.com/radio/Intelligence-Squared-Debate-p510948/ Is there a podcast for the BBC debates ...
Thufir's user avatar
  • 131
4 votes
1 answer
352 views

How to use calendar without showing notification on display

I'm using Google calendar with Echo show by voice. But by default Echo show also displays upcoming events, and my friends coming to home can see it. It's a bit annoying. I can disable all ...
ironsand's user avatar
  • 233
2 votes
0 answers
429 views

How can I play play custom MP3 file in echo show 5/ Alexa device?

I have ECHO show 5 device at my home. I have a mp3 file on my smartphone which I want to play on my voice command by amazon ECHO. I am ok to upload this file if echo can support it. How can I do this ...
Amol Patil's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
131 views

How can I make Alexa read my United Kingdom Audible books from an Echo device in India?

I have many audio books purchased in United Kingdoms Audible account. I can still hear them on my smartphone. I have recently moved to India and purchased amazon echo device. I do not have any books ...
Amol Patil's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
524 views

How can the software of an Amazon Smart Plug be updated?

I have two Amazon Smart Plugs. Per Amazon, the Latest Software Version is 102000009. My Plugs show 1000015. My devices will work for a very short time before becoming unresponsive. I'd like to update ...
ibadukefan's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
62 views

Is Google home an IoT Device or a WSN base station?

They say Google home is an IoT device but it has the ability to control other devices like lights, Air conditioners, etc. (in smart homes) which is more like a base station in the Wireless sensor ...
Sumanth's user avatar
  • 23
3 votes
2 answers
73 views

Alexa for Business

I'm interested in Alexa for Business, and I'm wondering if the Drop-In feature that is present in the Regular Alexa implementation is available in the business implementation? I have not been able to ...
M Green's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
1 answer
240 views

Echo Dot - Can you ask Alexa to remind you of your favorite TV shows?

I’m able to find TV skills for Alexa, but none of them (that I can see) will check the schedule and remind you of your favorite TV shows. I know I can set a reminder for them, but if the show time ...
user256430's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

Replacing two way light switches with smart switches

I am planning to replace two two-way switches that control one light with smart switches [that also have touch switch built in]. I want to keep the existing wiring and switch locations (i.e. hall ...
longjob's user avatar
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3 votes
0 answers
49 views

How do you turn on Amazon Music history?

Recently my Amazon Music account stopped recording music played history. I would like to be able to keep an eye on the music my daughters are playing. I have looked all over and cannot find the ...
Kevin's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
3k views

Alexa - require password for routines?

I am just getting into the SmartThings / Alexa world and know that it can be convenient to do things like: "Alexa open the garage door" "Alexa unlock front door" but what concerns me a bit is ...
Eric F's user avatar
  • 201
4 votes
1 answer
398 views

ESP8266 - Device doesn't support that

I'm using and trying the new Echo Dot generation (3rd Gen) to control a ESP8266 following some tutorials. For now I just want to change the state of a relay using the SetBinaryState action. But after ...
cuoka's user avatar
  • 161
5 votes
1 answer
99 views

Scanning for Device

What kind of technology does the Google Home and Amazon Echo/Dot use when you set up the device for the first time and their respective apps "scan for device" before they're connected to Wifi? I'm ...
afryingpan's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
286 views

Privacy with Voice Assistants

I am interested in getting a Smart Home system with a good voice assistant, but my wife refuses to allow a voice assistant like Google Home or Amazon Alexa because she does not want ANY recordings ...
Scott Duncan's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
75 views

Proper way to add an Echo Dot 2 to my existing system

I have an Echo 2 paired with an Amazon Bluetooth receiver which in turn feeds an 70v Amp that plays throughout the home. This works. However, my wife has to constantly go from the Kitchen to the ...
DJGray's user avatar
  • 141
2 votes
1 answer
711 views

Force Echo 2 to Mono Output

My Echo (2nd Gen) is paired with a Bluetooth receiver which, in turn, feeds that signal to a 70 volt Mono amp that services the entire house, one speaker per room. Listening to the music, it sounds ...
DJGray's user avatar
  • 141
6 votes
1 answer
482 views

Ring doorbell and echo dot interaction

I have a Ring Video Doorbell 2 and an Amazon Echo Dot. I cannot hear the chime of the doorbell throughout my home. There is an Alexa Ring Skill that seems to focus on the video. It technically does ...
StrongBad's user avatar
  • 161
5 votes
1 answer
123 views

Alexa app: How to choose the device to drop in on

I have multiple Alexa Dots on my account and when using the app on my Android phone I do not get the option to choose which device to drop in on. It constantly defaults to one device. When I try a ...
Neenga's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
0 answers
93 views

Is there a Linux distro (à la Open/DD WRT) for smart speakers?

Smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home are starting to become common. Is there a community effort to create an open source Linux firmware that can be run on them? I am thinking to something ...
Federico Poloni's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
8k views

How to get Alexa to play music using Pandora without saying "on Pandora"?

Whenever I say "Alexa play Metallica", it says that it is not found on Amazon Prime. It only works the way I want it when I say "Alexa play Metallica on Pandora" My Default music library is set to ...
Nyxynyx's user avatar
  • 191
6 votes
1 answer
273 views

I'd like Alexa to announce a monthly reminder

I'd like Alexa to announce a monthly reminder on the same day each month, but it seems she only knows "weekly", "daily", etc. Is there another way?
polkbwp gmail.com's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
558 views

Create a toggle between two actions in IFTTT

I have a simple device (Nordic Thingy 52) with a push button which can trigger the Maker Webhooks service in order to pass an event (button_press), which I am currently using to then trigger the Smart ...
mheavers's user avatar
  • 121
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can I play sound from my computer on an Echo Dot?

My computer speaker is terrible. Can I set up so that if I play something on my computer, the sound comes out on my Echo Dot 3rd Generation?
Gerrie's user avatar
  • 91
6 votes
1 answer
290 views

IKEA Tradfri bulbs showing up as "other" in the Alexa App, instead of "light."

I have my IKEA Tradfri bulbs connected through the Tradfri Gateway. They are all showing version 1.2.214, which the app says is the latest version, as well as the gateway which is 1.3.14. Inside the ...
John S.'s user avatar
  • 383
7 votes
1 answer
322 views

Do Hue bulbs need to be connected to an Echo Plus directly?

I have a multi-Alexa setup at home. It's a three storey house, so an Echo Plus on the bottom floor and 2nd gen Echos on the other floors. The hue bulb that came with it worked fine when it was ...
theweirdone's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
602 views

How to use Tradfri Lights with Ikea Tradfri Gateway within Alexa routines?

I am using Echo Dots and the Tradfri Gateway and have seven Ikea Tradfri bulbs in two rooms. These bulbs show up under devices and can be put into groups, which work perfectly with Alexa voice ...
John S.'s user avatar
  • 383
8 votes
1 answer
375 views

Can Alexa routines run arbitrary commands?

I have some skills that require quite a long phrase to activate (eg. "Alexa, tell Smart Remote to turn on my TV"), but it seems quite redundant for me to repeat this, when I'll be using the same skill ...
Lambda's user avatar
  • 81
9 votes
0 answers
288 views

Alexa for Business - Using Alexa for conference room

I am trying to configure the newly released Alexa for Business module for my Echo Device. I followed all the steps suggested in the videos released by Alexa. However I keep running into the problem "...
praveen kypa's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
13k views

Alexa app drop in feature and contacts missing after upgrading iPhone

I am missing the drop in feature and my Alexa contacts after upgrading my iPhone (7 plus to 8 plus). Restarting the app does not help. I know I am logged in and connected because I can see the ...
Dan's user avatar
  • 147
8 votes
1 answer
242 views

Amazon Alexa and Multi-Room Music Groups

I have a Show and a Dot set up across an apartment from one another and I have them connected for the Multi-Room Music Group feature. Now, however, while I (of course) want to maintain the group they ...
A.fm.'s user avatar
  • 181
30 votes
3 answers
21k views

Is the Amazon Echo mic mute a hardware switch?

I recently got my hands on an Echo Dot. I'm hesitating to install it, since I'm concerned about my privacy. According to Amazon's privacy notice, they may use all data they capture. I've noticed ...
FMaz's user avatar
  • 403
7 votes
1 answer
181 views

How can I match database records (e.g. names) with voice input from an Alexa Skill?

I'm building an Alexa skill, and I have a slot called 'Name' where I want to capture a name. I want to find in the database the matching name. But let's say that I have in the database a name "Alex ...
Przemyslaw Jarzynski's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
75 views

What will the Apple HomePod be able to do?

A friend told me that Apple is finally releasing a competitor for the Google Home and the Amazon Echo, called the Apple Homepod. A lively discussion ensued, in which several people were quite certain ...
anonymous2's user avatar
  • 4,702
7 votes
1 answer
711 views

How do I get Amazon Alexa (Echo) to run automations in Nexia?

I have an Amazon Alexa and have a Nexia bridge which manages devices throughout my home. I have the two connected via the Nexia skill in the Alexa app. I can do things like "Alexa, turn the downstairs ...
MrDuk's user avatar
  • 171
8 votes
2 answers
5k views

What is the difference between Echo and Echo Plus?

I wonder what the difference between the Amazon Echo and the Echo Plus is. Of course I know that the Echo Plus has a Smart Home Hub integrated but for what exactly is it? I can not find any ...
Elastic Lamb's user avatar
4 votes
0 answers
72 views

Make Amazon Echo talk by sending a request to it [duplicate]

I know this was, apparently, not possible before. It has been over half a year since this was answered with a vaguely "no". Is it possible to trigger Alexa to say something? I basically want her to ...
MortenMoulder's user avatar
12 votes
3 answers
30k views

How can I find echo dot's MAC address without turning it off?

My home network has a MAC filter, so I need to know the MAC address of this particular echo dot. I have nearly 30 smart devices connected to my router and I do not have the luxury of turning off one ...
Mad's user avatar
  • 849
8 votes
1 answer
140 views

How do we get Alexa to speak instead of making the light green when receiving a message?

I sent a message via my Alexa app to my friends Alexa app. But when he received the message his echo device gives a small sound and turns it's round light to green. Instead of this can we get Alexa ...
Mad's user avatar
  • 849
4 votes
1 answer
130 views

How do I stop Alexa from including the application owner's name

Yesterday I installed the Alexa app on my wife's phone so that she can control the Echo from it. Her Amazon account is linked to mine so I logged into the app with her account. However, ever since, ...
Shevek's user avatar
  • 269