Here’s how you can help Alexa understand you better!
It can be so annoying when you ask Alexa for something and she answers with something totally unrelated.
Last week I walked in on my husband listening to “Singin’ in the Rain,” and when I chuckled at his choice of song, he told me he’d asked Alexa for the weather 🙂
You can try a few things to help her understand you better!
- Slow down when you speak. You know how your high-school French works great when you’re practicing at home, but then you get to Paris and you can’t understand a word anyone says? It’s the same way for Alexa when you speak too quickly.
- Speak in direction of the speaker. Every home has ambient noise, from other people speaking in the background to outside weather, a humming A/C system—things you don’t even notice, but Alexa does. Cut out the chance of interference by turning your voice in the direction of the speaker when you give your commands.
- Speak clearly. This sounds like an obvious one, I know, but we all need a reminder to pronounce words carefully and specifically, especially when we’re tired.
Pro Tip #1: Make sure you have a Voice Profile. Voice profiles are a key way for Alexa to get to know your specific verbal style and understand you better. Just say “Alexa, learn my voice.” If you already have a profile, she’ll say, “I already recognize your voice.” If she needs help or it’s a new account, she’ll ask you to repeat a few different phrases so she can get it down.
Pro Tip #2: You can set up Voice Profiles for up to 10 people on a device. The catch is, each profile needs its own Amazon account. So while it may not work if you and your spouse share an account, it’s ideal if you and your family members or roommates each have your own Amazon accounts.