Mobile Phones > Android How to Use Alexa on Android Get Amazon's voice assistant on your Android phone or tablet By Tricia Goss Tricia Goss Facebook Twitter Writer Pima College Tricia Goss has been a writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 7, 2023 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Install Alexa Customize Alexa Use Voice Commands Make Alexa the Default Assistant Extra: Why Use Alexa? Frequently Asked Questions 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 > Apps > Default 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: Download the Amazon Alexa app from the Play Store. Launch the Amazon Alexa app and log in using your Amazon account information (or create a new account if you don't have one). Select your name from the list, or tap I’m someone else and provide your information. Next, you'll be prompted to set up Alexa voice identification. Tap Agree and Continue, or tap Skip for now. Tap Set Up My Features. 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. Next, you'll be asked to create a profile for each family memeber. Tap Add someone else or Set Up Later. Tap Done. When you get to the Alexa app home screen, swipe Up to explore the different things Alexa can do. 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: Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone, and tap Devices at the bottom. Tap Echo & Alexa. Tap Alexa on this Phone. 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: Tap More on the home screen. Tap Settings. Tap Device Settings. Tap Alexa on this Phone. Toggle Enable Alexa Hands Free to the On position. 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. Go to your device Settings > Apps. Tap Default apps. Tap Digital assistant app. Tap Default digital assistant app. Select Amazon Alexa. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit