How to Set, Update, or Cancel Alexa Reminders

Stay on task using voice commands and the Alexa app

by
Tricia Goss
Tricia Goss
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Tricia Goss has been a writer and editor for 10+ years. She's written tips and tutorials for Microsoft Office applications and other sites.
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Tricia Goss
Updated on November 27, 2019

Alexa is Amazon's virtual assistant, which can be used with Android or iOS smartphones as well as Amazon's line of Echo products to help you juggle your busy schedule. It's easy and handy to use Alexa to remind you of important events, appointments, and even daily to-do items. Here's how to set reminders with Alexa, change existing reminders, and cancel reminders. 

Reminders sound off only on the Echo device they're set on. If you have more than one Echo device, make sure you set your reminder on the one you use the most frequently. The reminder will also appear on your mobile device via the Alexa app.

How to Set a Reminder Using Alexa Voice Commands

Set a general reminder by simply telling Alexa you want to be reminded. For example, say, "Alexa, create a new reminder," and she will ask what the reminder is for and when you want to be reminded. 

Save time by giving Alexa all the details at once. Commands will set instant reminders, which Alexa will confirm by repeating back to you. For example, say, "Alexa, remind me to call Mom tomorrow at noon," or, "Alexa, set a reminder to turn off the sprinklers in 15 minutes."

Set recurring reminders using straightforward voice commands, such as, "Alexa, please remind me to take out the trash every Monday at 7 p.m."

You can use voice commands only to set reminders daily, weekly, on weekdays, or on weekends. You cannot set monthly or date-specific reminders. 

How to Set a Reminder Using the Alexa App

If you prefer to use the Alexa app to set reminders, here's how:

  1. Log in to the Alexa app.

  2. Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) button.

  3. Select Reminders & Alarms.

  4. Tap Add Reminder.

  5. Enter the reminder, along with the date, time. and device from which you want to be reminded.

    Alexa reminder

  6. Tap Save.

    Alexa reminders play an alert and then speak the reminder twice consecutively before turning off. Depending on the type of device you're using, you may also receive visual text reminders.

How to Update an Existing Alexa Reminder

It's easy to make changes to reminders using the Alexa app. Here's how:

  1.  Log in to the Alexa app.

  2. Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) button.

  3. Select Reminders & Alarms.

  4. Tap the reminder you want to change.

  5. Tap Edit Reminder at the bottom of the reminder. 

    Edit Alexa reminders

  6. Make changes to the reminder, date, time, repeats, or device from which you want to be reminded.

  7. Tap Save. 

How to Cancel Reminders With Alexa and a Device

If you want to delete a reminder, there are a couple of options, depending on the type of device you're using. If your Alexa-enabled device has a screen, such as the Amazon Echo Show, use voice commands to cancel a reminder. 

The app will immediately delete the reminder without requiring confirmation, so make sure you really want to cancel the reminder (and any repeat reminders) before you proceed. 

  1. Say, "Alexa, show me my reminders." A numbered list of your upcoming reminders appears. 

  2. Find the reminder you want to cancel and note the list number. 

  3. Say, "Alexa, delete (or cancel) number [X]."

  4. Alexa will respond, stating that the specific reminder has been canceled. 

Cancel a Reminder With the Alexa App

You can also cancel a reminder using the Alexa app.

  1. Log in to the Alexa app.

  2. Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) button.

  3. Select Reminders & Alarms.

  4. Tap the reminder you want to change.

  5. Tap Edit Reminder at the bottom of the reminder. 

  6. Select Delete Reminder.

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