Alexa Routines Just Got a Major Upgrade

You can now open Alexa skills via an Alexa routine!

Just like you turn the lights on or get your morning news via an Alexa routine, you can now open Alexa skills too. For example, you could turn on your favorite ambient sleep sounds when you say “Alexa, good night” — or tweak your morning Alexa routine to open Movie Quiz after you dismiss your Alexa alarm. My husband and I did a morning movie quiz recently at Alexa’s suggestion, and it’s actually a really fun way to get your day going!

Pro Tip #1: To use this nifty new feature, make sure you have the latest version of the Alexa app on your smartphone.

Pro Tip #2: Performing specific skill actions within a routine (other than opening the skill) is not yet supported. Hopefully, that will come soon! (For instance, you could program an Alexa routine to open the ADT skill, but you wouldn’t be able to arm your ADT security system.)

Why are Alexa routines so great?

Alexa routines make everyday tasks as effortless as possible! One of Alexa’s coolest features is the ability to trigger a routine based on your location. So you could easily set up an Alexa routine that turns on the lights, sets the thermostat and turns on your favorite after-work playlist when you arrive home.

When you’re ready to hit the sack, just say “Alexa, goodnight” to turn off the lights and set your device to do not disturb until the morning. And now routines can open sleep sounds skills at bedtime as well!

Alexa routines are super easy to set up. Just follow these simple steps to create one right now in 90 seconds or less!