About 40 million Americans have an Alexa device at their home.
And she’s been very helpful to these households. One of which is yours.
But did you know that Alexa has a cooler side?
Keep reading to learn:
- 47 cool things to do with Alexa.
- 5 wonderful Alexa tricks for kids.
- 7 amazing smart home features that have Alexa integration.
- And many more…
47 cool things to do with Alexa
1-15: Lifestyle
#1: Play sleep sounds
Do you enjoy a little white noise in the background as you try to sleep?
If you do, Alexa can help you with that.
If you’re unsure, you might as well give it a shot. 🙂
As there’s a great selection of Alexa sleep sounds.
But my favorite recommendation would be the Rain sounds skill.
Try it out for a good night’s sleep.
#2: Set up daily alarms
Apart from soothing you to get better rest…
Alexa can also wake you up the morning after.
All you have to do is set your Alexa alarm once by saying something like:
“Alexa, set an alarm for 7 AM every weekday.”
And when she does wake you up, just tell her:
“Alexa, stop.”
#3: Choose the best alarm sound
By default, Alexa’s alarm is the sound of chimes.
And you’re probably tired of sounds like that. Or it has stopped working on you as you’ve become immune to it.
But Alexa isn’t just any basic AI assistant…
So you can ask her to wake you up with the best alarm sound for you.
Something that won’t startle you first thing in the morning…
And there are many sounds to choose from on Amazon Music.
Continue reading: 31 Best Alexa Alarm Sounds (#3 Is My Favorite)
#4: Wake up to your favorite song
A long list of the best alarm sounds isn’t the only thing Alexa can wake you up with…
She can also get you going in the morning with your favorite song.
For example, before you go to sleep, tell her:
“Alexa, wake me up to Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ at 8 AM tomorrow morning.”
#5: Squeeze in a quick workout
Being active is essential to one’s lifestyle…
However, some people struggle to start or stay consistent in working out. And that’s understandable.
However, I have a solution for you…
How about starting with Alexa’s 7-minute workout?
Stay healthy through this science-based quick workout. It’s set to increase your metabolism and improve energy.
Read next: 29 Best Alexa Skills (#7 Is My All Time Favorite)
#6: Monitor your diet
Since we’re on the topic of staying healthy…
How about being mindful of what you eat?
Let’s get real – it can be hard.
The good news however is that you can turn to Alexa for help.
For example:
“Alexa, how many calories are in this pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey?”
#7: Alexa as your shopping assistant
You can restock your pantry by ordering online on these Amazon markets:
Note: They’re available in select cities only. Access the list here.
Now all you have to do is follow 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Say something like:
“Alexa, reorder milk from Whole Foods.”
Step 2: When you have everything you want on your list, check out.
Step 3: Choose whether you like your order delivered or picked up by you.
#8: Access recipes
In need of a recipe?
Just ask her something along the lines of:
“Alexa, I need a recipe for a risotto.”
#9: Order food online
Another great thing about Alexa?.
She can save you time on cooking if you’re busy or simply don’t feel like it.
How about takeouts in Chipotle?
And instead of going to the nearest branch…
Turn to your closest Echo device and say:
“Alexa, ask Chipotle to reorder my most recent order.”
Note: Enable Chipotle Reorder skill first.
#10: Manage your schedule
Prep yourself in the morning while you make your breakfast.
How?
Connect your Google Calendar (iOS or Android) account to the Calendar skill.
With that, Alexa can access your daily tasks.
So for a short briefing, ask her:
“Alexa, what’s on my calendar today?”
#11: Text and call
This is a pretty basic skill.
I mean, your phone can do this, too.
But what separates that and Alexa is the hands-free experience.
No more “I’m too busy to call/text…”
When Alexa’s here to be your associate in communication.
#12: Guided meditation with Alexa
Peace and quiet. Time to think.
Sometimes, that’s all you need.
And Alexa won’t get in the way.
But first, enable the Guided Meditation skill. After you do, say:
“Alexa, open Guided Meditation.”
#13: Create and access a to-do list
You’ve been leaving yourself some reminders on your phone…
But they’re not that effective.
Sure, a notification pops up.
However, it’s even better to have more than your tasks listed in one overview.
So, how about an auditory reminder by Alexa?
Here’s how to set a to-do list using Alexa
Step 1: Download the Todoist app (iOS or Android).
Step 2: Follow the instructions on how to connect to Alexa.
Step 3: After set up, you can now say things like:
“Alexa, add ‘text the optometrist to’ my to-do list.”
#14: Listen to the radio
You won’t need to buy a radio…
Your Alexa-enabled device can act like one.
It’s just waiting for you to say:
“Alexa, play [radio station].”
Note: Use the well-known myTuner Radio skill to access over 50,000 radio stations for free.
#15: Decide what’s for dinner
When asked where you wanna eat…
You’re not mostly sure what answer you can give.
I know. I experience that, too.
Well, Alexa can lend a hand.
How?
By pointing to where you can eat.
Just ask her:
“Alexa, what nearby restaurants serve Italian food?”
16-22: Smart home integration
Begin by connecting another device to Alexa:
- Access the Alexa app (available on iOS and Android).
- Select Devices.
- Choose the + icon.
- Tap Add Device.
- Select the device type and brand.
- Follow the prompts on your screen.
#16: Smart lights
No more running from one switch to another…
With Alexa and a smart light, you can turn the lights on or off. Just by using a voice command.
Or create timers using Alexa. Doing so will schedule the lights off in your home.
Tip: Smart lights work best with an Echo Dot. So don’t hesitate to check out this bundle.
#17: Set up a home security system
Who knew Alexa could act as a guard for your home as well?
With the help of the Ring Alarm Pro, security is ensured at your home.
And to get the most of it, you can subscribe to the Ring Protection plans.
#18: Communicate through an indoor camera
Wanna monitor the comings and goings in your home while you’re away?
Then a Blink indoor camera with Alexa integration works best.
Read further: (9 Fixes) Blink Camera Not Working
#19: Stream with ease
When you get a Fire TV, it automatically comes with Alexa.
With that, you can adjust settings, stream, or change channels using your voice…
Note: This won’t be a hands-free experience. Fire TVs come with a remote that has a mic button at the top. Press and hold that, then say an Alexa command.
And what if you have another smart TV?
If so, you can opt for a Fire TV stick. Then, connect it to the HDMI port and enjoy your now-Alexa-enabled TV.
#20: Control temperature
Ecobee’s Alexa-integrated SmartThermostat is a life-saver.
For one, it can help you cut down on expenses. With it, you can save up to 26% each year.
How?
By properly monitoring and adjusting your home’s temperature.
#21: Print easily
With a compatible printer and an Echo device…
Alexa can print something from you if you command her to do so.
Here’s the list of things that you can print.
#22: Smart ceiling fan
Yup. Even a smart ceiling fan can be connected to Alexa now.
23-33: Entertainment
#23: Play BINGO
Ready your BINGO cards…
Because Alexa is up to be your announcer on this thrilling game.
So begin the game by saying:
“Alexa, play BINGO.”
Reading tip: 11 Best Alexa Games (#3 Is My All Time Favorite)
#24: Jeopardy!
Enable Jeopardy! for free on your Amazon Alexa…
And feel like you’re on the TV game show yourself.
Blurt out:
“Alexa, play Jeopardy!”
#25: Have fun with some Alexa tricks
Alexa isn’t always that serious.
She doesn’t just follow this or that.
Sometimes, you can have fun with her with some commands that count as tricks.
Usually, those are called Easter eggs.
And to find one, just say:
“Alexa, tell me an Easter egg.”
Check out also: 37 Funny Alexa Tricks That Will Blow Your Mind
#26: Star Wars quiz
This will be the perfect May 4th showdown…
Challenge your fellow Star Wars fan with this quiz you can enable through Alexa.
Start by saying:
“Alexa, start Star Wars quiz.”
#27: Ask her a joke
Sometimes, you’re just bored and wanna play around…
So how about asking Alexa this:
“Alexa, tell a dad joke.”
Editor’s pick: 66 Secret Alexa Commands That She Doesn’t Want You To Know
#28: Ask for a fart
Alexa can be your partner for your next prank.
Say:
“Alexa, ask for a fart.”
What comes after is a very pronounced fart sound. Here, watch how she responds to it:
#29: Play ‘Would you rather?’
Don’t know what questions to ask on your drinking game?
Let Alexa lead the way.
Enable the Either/Or skill and say:
“Alexa, play ‘Would you rather?’”
#30: Ghost hunt with Alexa
Oh, you must be incredibly brave to try this out…
But since you wanna ghost hunt, say:
“Alexa, are there ghosts in my home?”
Related article: 47 Scary Things To Ask Alexa (#5 Is Creepy)
#31: Access Audible
Regardless of whether you want to beat your reading record for this year on Goodreads…
Or you want to catch up on your reading list with the help of Alexa and Audible…
You can say things like:
“Alexa, read [book title] from Audible.”
You might also want to know: 3 Steps To Listen To Audible Offline
#32: Song Quiz
No need to prep your vocals for this…
Instead, prepare your song chart knowledge for the Song Quiz.
You can select a playlist based on the decade of your choice.
Are you 00’s pop-punk kid? Or an 80’s new wave fan?
Whichever you are, use this command to start the game:
“Alexa, start Song Quiz.”
#33: Fake News game
Ditch the board games and cards for tonight’s game night…
Instead, place your Echo device on your coffee table, and you’re all set.
Then, try to play the Fake News game.
The objective is to spot a real headline from fakes.
Oh, you’ll be surprised which is which…
34-38: News and information
#34: Check the traffic
Got an important place to be today and wanna arrive early?
Here’s a life hack for you – ask:
“Alexa, what’s the traffic like right now in [place]?”
#35: Short history lessons
Expand your general knowledge with the “This Day in History” skill.
Ask Alexa things like:
“Alexa, tell me about an event from [date].”
#36: Alexa, the weatherwoman
You have a particular outfit in mind.
But what if it’s not suitable for the weather?
Alexa has the answer. Use the Weather skill to ask:
“Alexa, what’s the weather?”
#37: Alexa, the multilingual AI assistant
Trying to learn a new language?
Fun activity, I’d say.
And Alexa can make that even more entertaining. And also easy.
Let her help out by saying:
“Alexa, translate [phrase] to [language].”
#38: Get deals
Do you like getting deals?
You can get Alexa-exclusive ones when you order through voice command.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and say:
“Alexa, what are your deals today?”
39-41: Music
#39: Find a song
No more awkward Google searches of that 1 lyric on a song you don’t know yet.
So if you ever wanna know what’s the title of a song you recently heard…
Say the command:
“Alexa, play the song that goes like [lyric].”
Read also: 17 Amazing Alexa Music Commands (You’ll Love #7)
#40: Song ID
Some songs you know you don’t like from the moment of hearing the first few tunes.
It can be even more annoying when you’re blasting your playlist around guests.
But you can finally solve this.
How?
By saying:
“Alexa, turn on Song ID.”
Now, Alexa will announce the song title and artist before playing the song.
#41: Set an activity music
There’s a song for every mood. There’s also one for a specific place.
Well, how about a song for an activity?
Alexa can set something up for you.
She can play a playlist for you, depending on your activity.
Here’s an example command:
“Alexa, play yoga music.”
42-47: Kids
#42: Read a bedtime story
To a kid, a bedtime story is kind of a gateway to dreamland…
More importantly, experts say it develops your kid’s engagement skills.
Plus, it expands a child’s imagination.
However, after a long day at work…
Reading a story yourself might get you snoring before your little one does.
Unless you ask for Alexa’s help by saying:
“Alexa, launch bedtime story.”
#43: Schedule bedtimes
Apart from helping you out in reading a story before bed…
Alexa can help you ready your kids for sleep.
With the scheduled bedtime…
You won’t have to worry about your little one staying up late.
With it, you can schedule Alexa devices to be turned off.
And so, your kid won’t have any choice but to go to sleep at a designated time.
#44: Access Amazon Kids and Amazon Kids+
The Amazon Kids app is available for free (iOS or Android).
It lets your child access many kid-friendly content and games through their Alexa device.
They can do so through their Alexa device. Whether it be the Echo Dot for Kids or Echo Show for Kids.
Most importantly…
As a parent, you can monitor your kid’s Alexa device on your mobile phone. I’m talking about:
- Parental controls.
- Creating educational goals.
- Setting time limits on certain apps and activities.
Note: You can also subscribe to Amazon Kids+ to unlock more premium content for your child. You’ll also get access to child-friendly and ad-free radio stations.
For further reading: Best Alexa For Kids (+ 5 Tips From A Parent)
#45: Learn with Alexa
School can’t be 100% fun…
And yet, most days, your kid would wake up excited to catch their school bus.
Why?
Because they have their friends that they learn with.
And that’s why it becomes hard for them to learn at home.
Like, they must do their homework alone.
Well, how about adding Alexa to the mix?
She can make learning easier.
In many ways, I must say…
But to start…
Try to show your child how to ask Alexa for help with spelling.
For example:
“Alexa, spell ‘dangerous.’”
#46: Alexa skills as game and learning material
You and your little one can try the Animal Sounds skill.
There, they’ll be asked to identify the animal based on the sound they make.
Don’t get too competitive, okay? But do have fun learning so much.
And once you’re done with that, you can try other skills like:
#47: Play ‘Hide and Seek’
Enable the skill ‘Hide and Seek’ and watch Alexa try finding your kid…
Or you, if you prefer to play along, too.