How to set up an Amazon Echo

With Alexa built-in, the Echo can respond to voice commands while keeping your hands free. With seven built-in microphones, the Echo is designed to hear your voice commands no matter where you are in the room, even if there’s background noise. Want to play your music while dicing an onion? Just ask Alexa. Looking through your closet wondering if you need a coat? Ask Alexa for the weather report. Need a bedtime story and don’t want to get out of bed? Ask Alexa to read you an audiobook (we won’t tell).

With so many features and potential, it’s no wonder Amazon’s smart speaker is revered among smart home adopters and audiophiles. Don’t get too overwhelmed thinking about the possibilities. Here’s how to set up your brand-new Amazon Echo.

Step 1: Download the Alexa App

The free Alexa app is a must-have if you’re the owner of an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. You’ll need it to get your Echo device set up. Download it on any smartphone or tablet with iOS 11.0 or higher, Android 5.1 or higher, or Fire OS 5.3.3 or higher. Simply open up the app store that comes with your device and search the “Alexa app.” Downloading the app on a computer? Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi, then visit the Amazon Alexa website to download it.




Step 2: Plug in the Echo
This is probably the easiest step in the whole set-up process, as the Echo doesn’t require any batteries in order to function. Simply plug the included power adapter directly into the Echo, then hook it up to a power outlet. When the light ring turns blue, that means the power is connected. Then, wait for it to turn orange, as this is a sign that Alexa is preparing to greet you. When that is done, you’ll hear Alexa’s voice telling you the device is ready for set-up.



Step 3: Connect the Echo to Wi-Fi via the app
Next, you’ll need to connect your Echo device to your home Wi-Fi network. The latest versions of the Echo should guide you through this process. However, if you get stuck, simply open up the Alexa app and search through the available networks until you find yours. If you have multiple Echo devices, make sure you go to the Devices tab, then click the icon for Echo & Alexa in the top carousel,  and finally select your Alexa device. Under the Wireless heading, you should be able to see the state of the Wi-Fi network connection.

Once you’re connected, you have the option of saving your Wi-Fi password to Amazon, which makes it easy to connect to smart home devices or set up a new Alexa device on the same network — should you decide to purchase more Echoes for other rooms. You also have the choice of connecting your Echo to a public network, although the password won’t be saved on Amazon.

Step 4: Start talking to Alexa

To get started, say the wake word, which by default is “Alexa.” But maybe there’s already a human Alexa in the house and you want to change the wake word to something else? Simply tell the Echo, “Alexa, change the wake word.” You can also change the wake word manually by opening up the Alexa app, tapping help and feedback, and selecting change the wake word.



Step 5: Start using your Echo
Congratulations, your Amazon Echo is all set up and ready to be used in your day-to-day life. To make sure everything’s working properly, you can conduct a simple test by trying out a few basic commands. For example, say the wake word and “Hello.” If your Echo is properly set up, Alexa should respond with a simple “Hello” in return.
But the Echo can do much more than greet you. In the Alexa app menu, you will see two sections called Skills & Games and Things to Try. These are both excellent ways to see what Alexa is capable of. Skills, in particular, can help you customize Alexa by giving her certain abilities — think of them as mini-apps from many different creators that you can use for entertainment, organization, news, and much more.