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    2 min read 6 stepsApril 15, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Use Voice Commands with Alexa

    Learn the most useful Alexa voice commands for music, timers, news, smart home, and everyday tasks.

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Start with timers and weather
    2. 2.Play music
    3. 3.Set reminders and alarms
    4. 4.Manage lists
    5. 5.Control smart home devices
    6. 6.Use announcements
    1

    Start with timers and weather

    ~15s
    Try "Alexa, set a timer for 5 minutes" and "Alexa, what is the weather?" These build comfort with voice commands.
    2

    Play music

    ~15s
    Say "Alexa, play [artist]" or "Alexa, play relaxing music." Control with "Alexa, pause/skip/volume up."
    3

    Set reminders and alarms

    ~15s
    "Alexa, remind me to call the doctor at 2 PM." "Alexa, set an alarm for 7:30 AM every weekday."
    4

    Manage lists

    ~15s
    "Alexa, add eggs to my shopping list." View and manage lists in the Alexa app.
    5

    Control smart home devices

    ~15s
    "Alexa, turn off the lights." "Alexa, set the thermostat to 70." Link devices in the Alexa app first.
    6

    Use announcements

    ~15s
    "Alexa, announce that lunch is ready" broadcasts to all Echo devices in your home.

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    Once your Echo is set up, learn what to ask Alexa. Start every request with "Alexa" followed by your command. Here are the most useful commands:

    Timers: "Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes." "Alexa, set a pasta timer for 12 minutes." You can have multiple named timers running at once. Weather: "Alexa, what is the weather today?" "Alexa, will it rain tomorrow?" Music: "Alexa, play jazz music." "Alexa, play Frank Sinatra." "Alexa, turn up the volume." "Alexa, skip this song."

    News: "Alexa, what is the news?" Customize news sources in the app under Flash Briefing. Smart home: "Alexa, turn off the living room lights." "Alexa, set the thermostat to 72." (Requires compatible linked devices.)

    Shopping and reminders: "Alexa, add milk to my shopping list." "Alexa, remind me to take my medication at 8 PM." Communication: "Alexa, call Mom." "Alexa, announce that dinner is ready." (Broadcasts to all Echo devices in your home.)

    General knowledge: "Alexa, how many cups are in a gallon?" "Alexa, what time does Walgreens close?"

    If Alexa misunderstands you, check what she heard in the Alexa app under "Activity."

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    Official Resources

    Amazon Alexa HelpGoogle Nest HelpHow-To Geek — Smart Home

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Use Voice Commands with Alexa — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure