Sep 07, 2018 The Alexa iOS app There’s a further problem with downloadable skills: you have to install these via the Alexa iOS app. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Alexa app is one of the worst apps.
Having trouble controlling your Echo device? You can turn to the Alexa app or site for help.
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If you have an Amazon Echo or other Alexa device but aren't sure what you can ask Alexa or how to manage your device, that's where the Alexa app and website can come to your rescue.
You should already have the Alexa app on your mobile phone or tablet since you needed it to set up your device (if not, snag it for iOS or Android). But there's much more you can do with the app as well as the website. You can consult them to find out what you can ask Alexa, change the wake word for your device, rename your Alexa device, and add or modify the location for your device.
The Alexa app and website are available to help you whether you own an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Show, or another Alexa device. The mobile app is probably more convenient—that's what I'll use for this article—but the app and website offer similar features and options.
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Browse Skills and Games
Okay, so how do you find out just what you can ask Alexa? Open the Alexa app and tap the hamburger icon (). Then tap the section for 'Skills & Games.'
Browse through the different skills to see what you can ask Alexa. The skills on the home screen are based on staff picks, top skills, premium skills, latest skills, trending skills, and more.
Tap the 'Categories' heading up top to view specific categories of skills, such as Business & Finance, Education & Reference, Health & Fitness, News, Shopping, Smart Home, and Weather.
Tap a category that interests you. The app shows you all the things you can ask Alexa in that category.
Search and Sort
Curious about a particular skill but can't find it or don't see it listed? Type a keyword in the search field at the top of the screen and tap 'Search.' Alexa displays skills that match your search term.
You can sort your current list of Alexa skills by relevance, average customer rating, release date, or featured status.
Review Your Alexa History
Return to the main skills page. If you've already asked Alexa certain questions that tap into her skills, you can see your prior questions. Tap the 'Your Skills' link at the top. The app shows you a list of your previous questions to Alexa starting with the most recent ones. You can also sort the list alphabetically.
Tap a particular skill to learn how to trigger it. Here, you can also disable the skill.
Write a Review or Troubleshoot
If you are having trouble using a specific skill, or want to leave a review, scroll to the bottom of the page for that skill. Then tap the button to 'Write a Review' or 'Having Trouble With This Skill?' You can then add your feedback.
Things to Try
Tap the Home button at the bottom to return to the Home page for the Alexa app. Then tap the hamburger icon () and select the section for Things to Try.
This is where you can discover new capabilities for your Alexa device. The Things to Try screen is separated into different categories, including music, audiobooks, skills, and more. Select a particular category you would like to look into.
In this case, we will view the Audiobooks category. The page will show a list of commands to give Alexa that involve Audible and Kindle. If you were to view the Amazon Music section, there would be commands listed for interacting with Amazon's music service. Each category works the same way.
Revise Your Commands
Tap the Home button to return to the home screen. This page will display cards of past questions and requests you have given to Alexa. Scroll down the list of cards to review your history with Alexa. Tap the ellipsis () on a card you want to edit. You can then manage the existing list or create a new one.
Change the Wake Word
By default, your Alexa device responds when you say the word 'Alexa,' but you can change the wake word to something else. This is an option that may be especially handy if you have more than one Alexa device in your home. To do this, tap the button at the bottom for Devices and then tap the icon for Echo & Alexa. At the Echo & Alexa screen, select the device you want to use. Once you have selected a device, scroll down the Device Settings screen and tap 'Wake Word.'
At the 'Change your wake word' screen, tap the current wake word. The app gives you the option to change the wake word to Amazon, Echo, or Computer. Choose the new wake word. A message tells you that it will take a few minutes to update your wake word. Tap OK. Your new wake word appears. Tap Save.
Rename an Alexa Device
You can rename an Alexa device, which is another handy option if you have multiple devices. From the device's screen, tap the Edit Name link under its name. Type a new name and tap Done. Your device is renamed.
Add or Change Location
You can also add or change the location of your device. Giving the device your specific city or street address helps it find local information, such as nearby restaurants, movie theaters, and stores.
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From the device's screen, tap the entry for Location. In the location screen, type your street address, city, state, and ZIP code. If you don't want to share your street address, simply add your ZIP code and the app will use your city and state as your location. Tap Save.
Amazon Echo Alexa App
Alexa verifies your address and may suggest an alternative or more accurate one. Choose the address you wish to use and tap Select. The new location will then appear in the device settings.