Alexa can help you set alarms and listen to music with a simple command.
Chris Monroe / CNET
If you just received a new Amazon Echo or you’ve had it for years, you’re probably already using it for play your favorite song and get updates on the weather – but there’s a whole world of skills that Amazon’s Alexa assistant can perform that you should use.
For example, you probably knew that you could ask Alexa to turn on the lights when you’re at home, but did you know that you can remotely turn off the lights within the Alexa app?
Read six essential tips that you will use daily and check out even more Alexa tips at the end.
Turn your Echo into a free TV speaker
Echo is not only useful for turning on the TV, but it can also take the place of the TV speaker. For example, if you’re having a hard time hearing what’s on TV and your Echo is sitting next to you, you can start transmitting the sound from your speaker. To begin, make sure your Echo is within reach of the TV and say “Alexa, connect”. On your smart TV, navigate to the Bluetooth settings to find the Echo speaker you want to connect to. For example, I can see “Katie’s Echo Dot” or “Living Room Echo Plus”. It is the same process if you have a Fire TV.
Note that all smart TVs are different, so the configuration may not be exactly the same for you, although it should be close. When you’re ready to disconnect the speaker from the TV, just say “Alexa, unpair”.
Connect your Echo to your smart home devices
Most importantly first, whenever you receive a new smart home device, connect it to your Echo (just check if it is compatible with Alexa). This helps you turn off any lights or plugs that you missed while running out the door and you can even control your thermostat while you’re out.
After installing your smart home devices and enabling Alexa’s skills, just say “Alexa, discover my devices”.
While away from home, you can open the Alexa app and say “Alexa, turn off the porch light” or “Alexa, turn off the bathroom plug”.
With Alexa, you can crawl in bed and turn off the lights with just your voice.
Ry Crist / CNET
Set an alarm at home or on the go
Option 1: If you are close to your Echo, you can say “Alexa, set an alarm for 6:30 am”
Option 2: If you’re out and about and want to set an alarm, go to the Amazon Alexa app menu. Touch Alarms and stopwatches > Alarms > Add Alarm. You can also Make Alexa wake you up with music with any song of your choice.
Set an alarm on your Echo.
Ian Knighton / CNET
Listen to music, audiobooks and podcasts
Once you have your Amazon account linked to your Echo, you can start listening to music right away. However, unless you have Prime or Amazon Music Unlimited, you may find some songs and artists that are not available, so it is a good idea to have your other music services linked to your account.
Connect Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn: In the Alexa application menu, tap settings > Music and select the music service.
Connect to Deezer, SiriusXM, Tidal, Apple Podcasts, Vevo: If you are connecting to one of these, tap New Service Link, select the service and enter your login information.
Connect to YouTube Music: If you have YouTube Music, you can only use Echo as a speaker. You will have to manually select the songs you want to listen to on the phone. Go to your phone’s settings and turn on Bluetooth. Then say “Alexa, even”. Select your Echo when it appears on the Bluetooth screen.
Read More: 5 amazing music tricks to experiment with Amazon Echo tonight
Watch this:
The first 5 things to do with a new Amazon Echo
4:55
Play games with your friends or kids
This one can be fun if you’ve got no board games and you’re trying to entertain friends or kiddos. Alexa has a ton of games you can play, like Jeopardy, Harry Potter trivia, music games, kids games and many more. You can also play multiplayer games with Amazon Echo buttons.
Just say “Alexa, play a game,” or if you know exactly what you want to play, say “Alexa, play [name of game]. “
Alexa will explain how to play each game.
Play multiplayer games with the Amazon Echo buttons.
Ry Crist / CNET
Order measurement conversions
When you’re cooking and need to know how many ounces you have in 3 cups, ask Alexa. Can you say “Alexa, how many ounces does a glass have?” and your Echo will give you a conversion immediately.
Ready for more Amazon Echo tips? See these four places where you should never put Amazon Echo in your home, how to use the newest Amazon Echo calling features and four annoying things Alexa does and how to make it stop.