How to Use Alexa on Android

Get Amazon's voice assistant on your Android phone or tablet

What to Know

  • Download and set up the Alexa app. Tap Devices > Echo & Alexa > Alexa on this Phone to customize Alexa.
  • Use voice commands: More > Settings > Device Settings > Alexa on this Phone > Enable Alexa Hands Free.
  • Make Alexa your default: Settings > AppsDefault apps > Digital assistant app > Default device assistant app.

This article explains how to use the Amazon Alexa voice assistant app on your Android device via the Amazon Alexa app for Android. Instructions apply to all Android mobile devices regardless of manufacturer.

How to Install Alexa

To use Alexa on Android, start by downloading and setting up the app:

  1. Download the Amazon Alexa app from the Play Store.

  2. Launch the Amazon Alexa app and log in using your Amazon account information (or create a new account if you don't have one).

  3. Select your name from the list, or tap I’m someone else and provide your information.

    Install, Go to sign in, and Account Holder highlighted in the Alexa app for Android
  4. Next, you'll be prompted to set up Alexa voice identification. Tap Agree and Continue, or tap Skip for now.

  5. Tap Set Up My Features.

  6. Tap Yes if you want to give Amazon permission to upload your contacts, which can help you connect with family and friends. If you would rather not provide permission at this time, tap Later.

    You might have to tap Allow a second time on a security popup. You might also be prompted to verify your phone number if you want to send and receive calls and messages with Alexa.

    Skip, Set Up My Features, and Yes highlighted in the Alexa app
  7. Next, you'll be asked to create a profile for each family memeber. Tap Add someone else or Set Up Later.

  8. Tap Done. When you get to the Alexa app home screen, swipe Up to explore the different things Alexa can do.

    Set Up Later, Done, and Down Arrow highlighted in the Alexa app

How to Customize Alexa

Taking time to customize Alexa on your phone will help you get the results you want when you begin using voice commands:

  1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone, and tap Devices at the bottom.

  2. Tap Echo & Alexa.

  3. Tap Alexa on this Phone.

    Devices, Echo & Alexa. and Alexa on this phone highlighted in the Alexa app
  4. On the following screens, customize your region, time zone, and preferred measurement units.

How to Use Alexa Voice Commands

To start using Alexa voice command skills right away:

  1. Tap More on the home screen.

  2. Tap Settings.

  3. Tap Device Settings.

    More, Settings, and Device Settings highlighted in the Alexa app
  4. Tap Alexa on this Phone.

  5. Toggle Enable Alexa Hands Free to the On position.

    Alexa on this phone and Enable Alexa Hands Free toggle highlighted in the Alexa app

To activate Alexa, say "Alexa," and give a command or ask a question such as:

  • Alexa, find the closest grocery store.
  • Alexa, what's the weather like?
  • Alexa, what’s on my calendar tomorrow?
  • Alexa, tell me a joke.

How to Make Alexa Your Default Android Assistant

To make Alexa your phone's default assistant so that you can access it by pressing the Home key:

Your menu options may look slightly different depending on your version of Android, but the steps are basically the same for all devices.

  1. Go to your device Settings > Apps.

  2. Tap Default apps.

    Settings, Apps, and Default apps highlighted in the Alexa app
  3. Tap Digital assistant app.

  4. Tap Default digital assistant app.

  5. Select Amazon Alexa.

    Digital assistant app, Default digital assistant app, and Amazon Alexa highlighted in the Android Settings

Why Use Alexa on Android?

Here are a few ways you can use voice commands with Alexa:

  • Connect with family and friends by calling or messaging anyone with the Alexa app or an Amazon Echo device.
  • Manage your smart home, turn on lights, check the locks, or adjust your thermostat from any location.
  • Pair your phone with another Alexa device as a remote control, to access enhanced features or for a simplified setup.
  • Download Alexa voice command skills and create your own skills.
FAQ
  • How do I connect my Android phone to my Alexa device?

    To connect your Android phone to your Alexa device, make sure Bluetooth is turned on, set up the Alexa app, and tap Devices > plus (+) > Add Device.

  • How do I update the Alexa app on my Android phone?

    To update Android apps, open the Play Store and tap your profile image > Manage apps & device > See details. Tap Update next to the app, or tap Update all.

  • What is the Android version of Alexa?

    Google Assistant is Google's equivalent to Alexa. Samsung Android phones have their own virtual assistant, Bixby.

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