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To use Alexa hands-free, set up an Amazon Echo in the Alexa app, say its wake word—usually “Alexa”—and then make a request. You do not need to enable a separate feature called “Smart Speaker Mode”: Amazon’s setup and help materials describe hands-free Alexa use on Echo speakers, not a setting with that name.
Set up Alexa on your Echo speaker
A screen-free Echo speaker, such as an Echo Dot, is set up through the Alexa app. Plug in the speaker, open the app, and follow its prompts to connect the device. An Echo device with a screen can display setup instructions on the device itself. See Amazon’s Echo setup guidance.
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- Sign in to the Alexa app with your Amazon account.
- Open Devices, tap the plus icon, choose Add Device, select the Echo device type, and follow the prompts. The exact labels may vary as the app changes; Amazon’s separate setup instructions describe this registration path.
- If the Echo does not appear, open More in the app and choose Add a Device, then follow the on-screen instructions.
If setup stalls, check the device’s status on its page in the Alexa app. You can also ask, “Alexa, are you connected to the internet?” as a basic network check. For Wi-Fi problems, verify the network details and follow the app’s prompts.
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Once setup is complete, say the Echo’s wake word and then your request. “Alexa” is the default wake word. Amazon’s materials also describe alternatives including “Amazon,” “Echo,” “Computer,” and “Ziggy”; which choices are available can depend on the device and software. You can ask for information, add items to a list, or request music. For example:
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- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
- “Alexa, what’s the weather today?”
- “Alexa, add batteries to my shopping list.”
- “Alexa, play jazz.”
These are sample requests, not guarantees that every response or music service is available in every region or account. Amazon’s Alexa FAQ explains how the wake word and requests work.
Connect an optional smart-home device
You do not need a bulb, plug, thermostat, camera, or other accessory for basic Alexa requests. If you want voice control for an accessory, first confirm that its maker says it is compatible with Alexa. Amazon says products marked “Works with Alexa” are certified to work with Alexa.
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- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
- In the Alexa app, open Devices and tap the plus icon.
- Choose Add Device, select the device type and brand, then follow the prompts.
- If the accessory will not connect, check its network requirements. Amazon notes that most smart-home Wi-Fi devices work on the 2.4 GHz band, but the accessory’s own requirements determine what it supports.
Compatibility and safe use depend on the individual product and household. See Amazon’s smart-home setup guidance and the accessory maker’s instructions.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTurn off the Echo microphone
Press the microphone-off button on an Echo, Echo Dot, or Echo Show to disconnect its microphones. Amazon says a red indicator appears when the microphone is off. Press the button again to restore microphone operation. While it is muted, the Echo will not respond to voice commands, but Amazon says you can still control it through the Alexa app. The instructions are on Amazon’s microphone support page.
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- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Review Alexa privacy controls
Amazon says a wake-word detection or button activation can result in a request recording being sent to the cloud for processing. Alexa Privacy controls let customers review and delete available recordings; Amazon’s UK help page also describes controls for transcripts and typed requests. The available options and labels can vary by region, account, and app version. See Amazon’s Alexa Privacy guidance for the controls available in that region.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Optional ways to expand your Echo
Changing the wake word and pairing a phone or other device over Bluetooth are optional features, not prerequisites for hands-free Alexa use. Amazon provides guidance for wake-word settings and other Echo features. For Bluetooth pairing, follow the instructions for your Echo and the device you want to connect; availability and steps can vary by device.
Quick Recap
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- Meet Echo Studio: Redesigned in a compact size that is 40% smaller than the original to deliver immersive spatial sound. Dolby Atmos adds space, clarity, and depth to make your entertainment even better. Enjoy powerful bass and crystal-clear vocals. Features a built-in smart home hub and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- It's like a concert in your living room: Experience immersive sound thanks to spatial audio and Dolby Atmos in a compact design that fits easily into any living space. With room adaptation technology, Echo Studio analyzes the acoustics of your room, fine-tuning playback for optimal sound no matter where it's placed.
- Do more with device pairing: Play music across multiple Echo devices for multi-room music, or pair with a second Echo Studio for even more powerful sound.
- Simple smart home control: Set routines, pair and control lights, locks, and thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature or presence detection.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering: With eero Built-in, Echo Studio doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
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- Meet Echo Dot Max: Experience rich room-filling sound that automatically adapts to your space and fine-tunes playback. Features a built-in smart home hub and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Music to your ears: With nearly 3x the bass versus Echo Dot (2022 release), it fits beautifully in any space, delivering your personal sound stage with deep bass and enhanced clarity. Listen to streaming services, such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and SiriusXM. Encore!
- Do more with device pairing: Connect compatible Echo smart speakers and smart displays in different rooms, or pair with a second Echo Dot Max to enjoy even richer sound
- Simple smart home control: Set routines, pair and control lights, locks, and thousands of smart home devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature or presence detection.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot Max doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
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