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 August 20, 2021

Alexa's handy reminder feature can help keep you on track for important events, appointments, and other to-do items. Here are a few tips on setting, changing, and canceling them.

Reminders sound off on the Echo device they're set on. If you have more than one Echo device, set your reminder on the one you're most apt to hear the reminder. The reminder also appears on your mobile device via the Alexa app.

Alexa Voice Commands: The Basics

Using voice commands with Alexa is fairly straightforward.

  • To set a general reminder, say, "Alexa, create a new reminder." It asks what the reminder is for and when you want to be reminded.
  • Save time by giving Alexa all the details at once. 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." It repeats your message to confirm it has set the reminder.
  • 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 cannot set monthly or date-specific reminders with voice commands.

How to Set a Reminder Using the Alexa App

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

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

  2. Select Reminders.

    Alexa app menu > Reminders

  3. Tap the plus sign.

  4. Enter the details of your reminder and tap Save.

    Add Reminder in Alexa app

Alexa plays an alert and then speaks the reminder twice before turning off. Depending on the type of device you have, you might 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. Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) button.

  2. Select Reminders.

  3. Tap the reminder you want to change.

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

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

  6. Tap Save.

How to Cancel Reminders With Alexa and a Device

You can delete a reminder in a couple of ways, depending on your device. If it has a screen, such as the Amazon Echo Show, use voice commands.

The app deletes the reminder without requiring confirmation, so make sure you 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 responds, 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. Tap the menu (three horizontal lines) button.

  2. Select Reminders.

  3. Tap the reminder you want to change.

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

  5. Select Delete Reminder.

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