How to Make Alexa Say What You Want

This article explains how to make Alexa say what you want. The instructions apply to all Alexa-enabled devices, including the Amazon Echo Show.

Is There a Skill to Make Alexa Say What I Want?

The easiest way to get Alexa to say something is to use the built-in Simon Says skill. Just say "Alexa, Simon says" followed by a phrase. Alexa will repeat what you say word-for-word. For example:

• "Alexa, Simon says, How many planets are in our solar system?"

Instead of answering the question, it'll just say, "How many planets are in our solar system?" You can also add Alexa skills like Text to Voice, which allows you to type phrases you want Alexa to repeat into a web browser.

How to Set Up Alexa Text to Voice

Follow these steps to set up the Alexa Text to Voice skill:

1. Open the Alexa app and tap More.
   

2. Tap Skills & Games.
   

3. Tap the Magnifying glass to search.
   

4. Search for “Text to Voice” and tap the Text to Voice skill.
   

5. Tap Launch.
   

6. Tap your Alexa device.
   

7. Open a web browser and go to the Text to Voice website. Say “Alexa, ask TTV for my PIN,” enter the four-digit number she gives you, and select Pair.
   

8. On the next page, enter what you want Alexa to say and select Save.
   

9. Say, “Alexa, ask TTV to speak.” Use this command any time you want it to repeat the saved text. Repeat steps 7-9 to change what Alexa says when you give the command.
   

Make Alexa Say What You Want With Routines

Another option is to create a routine that makes Alexa say a phrase whenever given a specific command. Here's how:

1. Open the Alexa app and tap More.
   

2. Tap Routines.
   

3. Tap the Plus (+) to add a routine.
   

4. Tap Enter routine name.
   

5. Type a name for the routine and tap Next.
   

6. Tap When this happens.
   

7. Tap Voice.
   

8. Type the command you want to trigger your custom phrase, then tap Next.
   

9. Tap Add action.
   

10. Tap Alexa Says.
    

11. Tap Customized.
    

12. Type what you want Alexa to say, and then tap Next to confirm.
    

13. Tap Save.
    

14. Tap your Alexa device.
    

15. You should see a confirmation message at the top of the screen. It can take a minute for skills to start working.
    

Alexa will say the custom phrase when you give the command. For example, in the example above, saying “Alexa, good morning” will trigger the response “Good morning Robert. Have a great day.”

Why Can't I Get Alexa to Say a Custom Response?

If you have Alexa parental controls set up, Alexa will not repeat profane language or anything that sounds like profanity. When Alexa has trouble understanding you, restart the device and check your internet. Most commands won't work if your Alexa device is offline, so make sure it's connected to Wi-Fi.