Questions to Ask Alexa
Fun and useful questions to ask Alexa to explore its capabilities and get the most value from your smart speaker.
1What's the weather like today?
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What's the weather like today?
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Why this works
One of Alexa's most useful features - provides current weather conditions and forecasts for your location.
2Set a timer for [X minutes]
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Set a timer for [X minutes]
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Why this works
Handy for cooking, workouts, or any timed activity. Alexa can manage multiple timers and remind you when time is up.
3What's on my calendar today?
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What's on my calendar today?
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Why this works
Keeps you organized by reading your calendar events and helping you stay on top of your schedule.
4Play [song name] by [artist]
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Play [song name] by [artist]
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Why this works
Accesses your music library or streaming services to play specific songs, albums, or artists on demand.
5What's the news?
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What's the news?
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Why this works
Provides current news updates from various sources, keeping you informed about what's happening in the world.
6Add [item] to my shopping list
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Add [item] to my shopping list
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Why this works
Helps you maintain shopping lists by adding items as you think of them, accessible from your phone or other devices.
7What's the traffic like to [destination]?
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What's the traffic like to [destination]?
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Why this works
Provides real-time traffic information to help you plan your commute and avoid delays.
8Tell me a joke
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Tell me a joke
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Why this works
Light entertainment that can brighten your day or provide a quick laugh during a break.
9What's the time in [city]?
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What's the time in [city]?
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Why this works
Useful for coordinating with people in different time zones or planning international calls.
10Set an alarm for [time]
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Set an alarm for [time]
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Why this works
Reliable alarm system that can wake you up or remind you of important events at specific times.
11What's the definition of [word]?
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What's the definition of [word]?
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Why this works
Quick access to dictionary definitions, helping you learn new words or clarify meanings.
12Play [genre] music
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Play [genre] music
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Why this works
Discovers and plays music by genre, mood, or activity, perfect for setting the right atmosphere.
13What's the score of [team] game?
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What's the score of [team] game?
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Why this works
Provides real-time sports scores and updates for your favorite teams and games.
14How do I cook [dish]?
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How do I cook [dish]?
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Why this works
Accesses cooking instructions and recipes, helping you prepare meals step by step.
15What's the capital of [country]?
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What's the capital of [country]?
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Why this works
Quick access to geographical and general knowledge facts for learning or trivia.
16Play a podcast about [topic]
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Play a podcast about [topic]
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Why this works
Discovers and plays podcasts on topics you're interested in, perfect for learning or entertainment.
17What's the temperature in [city]?
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What's the temperature in [city]?
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Why this works
Quick weather check for any location, useful for travel planning or checking on family and friends.
18Tell me a bedtime story
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Tell me a bedtime story
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Why this works
Provides entertainment for children or adults, with various story options and lengths available.
19What's the date today?
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What's the date today?
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Why this works
Simple but useful for confirming the current date, especially when planning or scheduling.
20Play white noise
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Play white noise
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Why this works
Provides ambient sounds for relaxation, focus, or sleep, with various options like rain, ocean, or fan sounds.
Getting the Most from Your Alexa Device
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Essential Alexa Commands
Voice Control Basics
Always start with 'Alexa' to wake up the device, then speak your command clearly and naturally.
Music and Entertainment
Ask for specific songs, artists, genres, or moods. You can also request playlists, radio stations, or podcasts.
Smart Home Control
Control compatible smart devices by saying 'Alexa, turn on the lights' or 'Alexa, set the temperature to 72 degrees.'
Information and News
Ask for weather, news, sports scores, or general knowledge. Alexa can also provide definitions, translations, and calculations.
Advanced Alexa Capabilities
Routines and Automation
Create custom routines that trigger multiple actions with a single command, like 'Alexa, good morning' to turn on lights and play news.
Skills and Third-Party Apps
Enable skills for additional functionality like ordering food, playing games, or accessing specific services.
Multi-Room Audio
Play music across multiple Echo devices in different rooms for a whole-home audio experience.
Voice Profiles
Set up voice profiles for different family members to get personalized responses and access to individual accounts.
Privacy and Security Best Practices
Review Voice History
Regularly check and delete your voice history to maintain privacy and control over your data.
Use Voice Commands Wisely
Be mindful of what you say around Alexa, as it's always listening for the wake word.
Manage Permissions
Review and manage which skills and services have access to your data and personal information.
Secure Your Network
Ensure your Wi-Fi network is secure and consider using a separate network for smart home devices.