WithEcho Showyou get a device that can do a lot more than the standard audio-only Echos, if only because there’s a touchscreen interface, plus baked in video capabilities. That means a lot of options in the settings worth diving into. So, whether you’re wondering how to usethe Echo Show 8, needEcho Show 10hacks, or just need to know some basic Echo Show commands, we’ve detailed some of the most useful and interesting features of the touchscreen assistant below.
Set up your Echo Show
This might be obvious, but we have to begin somewhere: to get started with Echo Show, place it in a central location, whether that be your kitchen counter, your living room, your nightstand, or wherever, then plug the included power adapter into it and then into a power outlet, and follow the on-screen prompts that appear; select a language, connect to your Wi-Fi and log in to your Amazon account.
If you have the Echo Show 10 you’ll need to make sure you give the display room to pivot, so make sure there’s nothing to hinder its movement. For Echo Hub and Echo Show 15, you’ll want to choose a handy place to mount it for permanent fixture (unless you decide to use a stand instead).
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
The small bedside Echo Show 5 was updated in 2023 and includes better speakers with deeper bass, plus is build almost entirely from recycled materials.
You need the free Alexa app to manage your Echo Show and feature options. To download the Alexa app, go to the app store on your mobile device and search for the “Alexa app” (or, you can use the links below). If you don’t have a mobile device, you can go tothis Amazon Alexa sitefrom Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer browsers to manage your Echo Show.
How to use Echo Show - Commands and basics
you’re able to navigate Echo Show using both your voice and the touch screen. Here’s how:
Light bar definitions
The edge of your Echo Show’s screen will light up different colours as a visual indicator. Here’s what those colours mean:
Change Echo Show’s wake word
When you want to communicate with your Echo show, just say “Alexa,” followed by a command. But you’re able to change this “wake word” to Echo, Amazon, or Computer, if you prefer. Just say, “Alexa, go to settings,” or swipe down from the top of the Echo Show screen and select Settings. Then, tap Device Options > Wake Word > and select the wake word you want to use instead. Or you can do this in the Alexa app.
Get Alexa skills
Skills are voice-enabled features that enhance the functionality of your Alexa device. These can be built-in or offered by third-party developers. Enabling Alexa skills on Alexa devices use to be complicated, but Amazon recently streamlined this process. All you have to do is say, “Alexa, enable the [name of skill] skill.” Go to theAlexa Skills store on the Amazon websiteto browse available skills.
To view and manage your skills, you will need to use the Alexa app. Go to the menu and select Skills & Games, then select Your Skills (at the top).
Amazon Echo Show 15
The Echo Show 15 is the biggest Echo Show to date. It’s designed to hand on the wall, freeing up your counter or workspace. It even offers Fire TV functions, adding to its versatility. The sound quality isn’t very good, but it is a great way to display photos, add reminders, and keep an eye on your schedule.
Decide which cards rotate on screen
The feed on the home screen on Echo Show has several home cards that rotate automatically. But you can update which cards appear or don’t appear. Just say, “Alexa, go to settings,” or swipe down from the top of the Echo Show screen and select Settings. From there, select Home & Clock, then select Home Content, and toggle the switch next to the card name. Simples.
Turn off the Echo Show screen
Yes, you can turn off the screen on your Echo Show. This is useful if someone suddenly walks into the room and you don’t want them to see what you were watching or doing. Just say, “Alexa, turn off the screen.” To turn the screen back on, touch it or use your device’s wake word (which, by default, is “Alexa”). You can also turn your Echo Show completely off by pressing the mute button for a few seconds.
Dim the Echo Show screen
The Echo Show’s screen automatically dims itself and reverts to the clock-only display when you haven’t touched it in a while (unless you’re watching something, such as a trailer on YouTube or a movie from Prime Video). But you can also force the screen to dim at any time. There’s a manual dimmer switch on the Show’s main menu; just swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Brightness to access it. Or you can leave it on auto-brightness.
Create a Sticky Note
You can ask your Echo Show to create a Sticky Note to remind you of things. Just say “Alexa, new Sticky” and you can dictate a new note. You’ll have to save it, but these notes are synchronised across your Echo Show devices, so you can see notes in other places. Smaller Echo Show devices won’t display them all the time, but the Echo Show 15 will allow a Sticky Note as a widget so it’s always visible on the display.
Help Alexa identify who you are
Alexa can identify people by voice profiles, so that different users can get relevant information for them within a household. You can find out all about setting upAlexa Voice Profiles here. On the Echo Show 15 you can also use Visual ID, so the Show 15 can recognise you can show you information that’s relevant to you. You’ll be guided through setting it up when you setup your Echo Show 15.
