Voice Assistant Tips and Tricks: Get More from Alexa
You probably use your Echo for basic commands — but Alexa can do much more. This guide covers tips and tricks to get the most from your voice assistant.
Hidden Alexa Features
Whisper Mode
Enable whisper mode in the Alexa app, and Alexa will whisper back if you whisper to her. Perfect for late-night use without waking others.
Brief Mode
Enable brief mode for shorter responses. Instead of "OK, turning on the lights," Alexa just turns them on with a brief sound.
Follow-Up Mode
Enable follow-up mode to ask follow-up questions without saying "Alexa" again. Alexa listens for 5 seconds after responding.
Voice Profiles
Train Alexa to recognize your voice. Then she can call your contacts (not someone else's), play your music, and give you personalized recommendations.
Productivity Tips
Reminders
"Alexa, remind me to call Mom at 3 PM tomorrow." Reminders appear on all your Echo devices and your phone.
Lists
"Alexa, add milk to my shopping list." Lists sync to the Alexa app for easy access at the store.
Calendars
Connect your calendar in the Alexa app. Then: "Alexa, what's on my calendar today?" or "Alexa, add an event tomorrow at 2 PM."
Skills
Enable skills for additional capabilities: meditation guides, workout trainers, games, and more. Browse skills in the Alexa app.
Smart Home Tips
Groups
Create groups in the Alexa app (e.g., "Living Room" with all living room devices). Then: "Alexa, turn on the living room" controls all devices in that group.
Scenes
Create scenes (e.g., "Movie Night" with specific light levels). Then trigger the scene with a voice command.
Routines
Create routines that trigger multiple actions. See our 50 Automation Ideas guide.
Multi-Room Music
"Alexa, play music everywhere" plays synchronized music on all Echo devices. Or create groups: "Alexa, play music downstairs."
Communication Features
Announcements
"Alexa, announce dinner is ready" broadcasts your message to all Echo devices.
Drop In
Drop In on Echo devices in your home for instant intercom communication. "Alexa, drop in on the kitchen."
Calls
"Alexa, call Mom" calls any contact who has Alexa or a phone number in your contacts.
Video Calls
On Echo Show devices: "Alexa, video call Sarah" enables video calling.
The Bottom Line
Alexa has dozens of features most users never discover. Enable whisper mode, brief mode, and follow-up mode for a better experience. Set up groups, scenes, and routines for smarter automation. And explore skills for additional capabilities. See our Voice Commands Cheat Sheet for 100+ commands.
Our Recommendations
Based on the topics covered in this article, here are our top product recommendations. Each product is verified and available on Amazon with our affiliate link.
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Self-emptying robot vacuum with PrecisionVision navigation that avoids obstacles like pet waste, cords, and shoes. Smart mapping works with Alexa.
- Self-empties for up to 60 days
- PrecisionVision obstacle avoidance
- Smart mapping with room-by-room cleaning
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Ideal for pet hair on carpets and hard floors
Amazon Echo Hub — Smart Home Control Panel
8-inch smart home dashboard that centralizes control of all your connected devices. Works with Zigbee, Matter, Thread, and Wi-Fi protocols.
- 8-inch touchscreen smart home hub
- Supports Zigbee, Matter, Thread, and Wi-Fi
- Centralized dashboard for all smart devices
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- Mountable on wall or placed on counter
Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 — 4-Pack
Wi-Fi smart plugs that work with Alexa, Echo, Google Home, and IFTTT. No hub required, 15-amp, UL certified. Remote control via app.
- No hub required — connects via Wi-Fi
- Works with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
- 15-amp, UL certified for safety
- Schedule and timer automation
- Remote control via Kasa app
These products form the foundation of a smart home that will integrate with future humanoid robots. Start with these essentials and expand as your needs grow.