Alexa Skills: get the 411 on how to get the most out of your new Alexa-enabled device
What is Alexa?
Alexa is the name of Amazon’s virtual assistant, just like how Siri is synonymous with Apple devices. Alexa is built into Amazon smart home devices, like the Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Firestick, and more. And while Alexa enabled devices have a wide range of capabilities, when coupled with add-on Alexa skills, Alexa has the ability to do so much more — from completely customizing your smart home experience to offering up super fun Alexa games.
What are Alexa skills?
Alexa skills are add-on voice applications for Alexa (just like you have apps downloaded on your smart phone). Alexa skills can be either free or paid and allow you to further customize your Alexa experience. From daily flash briefings which deliver personalized news, to meditation and trivia games, the options for Alexa skills are nearly endless!
There are well over 100,000 skills available for Alexa, though the skills you have access to are dependent upon where you live and which languages you speak.
Why you should enable additional Alexa skills
Smart home
If you’re expanding your smart home using external devices, like a smart thermostat or smart lighting, you’ll want to enable the skills that support each of those devices. While those devices can be controlled using manufacturer-provided apps for your smartphone, it’s easier (and more fun!) to control them using Alexa and voice commands.
For example, if you enable the Nest skill, you can say “Alexa, turn the thermostat up to 69 degrees.” Or, if you have an Echo Show and a Ring doorbell, the Ring skill will allow you to see who is at your front door by saying “Alexa, show me the front door.”
And much more!
But Alexa skills aren’t limited to external smart home devices. Love playing Fantasy Football? You can check the status of your team by using the Yahoo Fantasy Football skill. Having trouble falling asleep? Try the rain sounds skill or give meditation a go with the Headspace skill.
What else can Alexa do? There are skills for trivia and games, finance skills to check your bank account balance or pay your credit card bill, even skills to calm down your dog. You can browse all Alexa skills here.
Check out some more of our favorite Alexa skills here.
How to enable Alexa skills
Once you find a skill you want to try out, try “Alexa, enable (insert name of the skill).”
If that doesn’t work, you can easily enable skills directly from your browser as you search Amazon. Simply find the skill you’d like to add, then click “Enable” on the skill’s page.
Alternatively, you can add Alexa skills from your Amazon Alexa smartphone app. Here’s how:
- Open your Alexa app
- Tap the Hamburger icon
- Tap/click “Skills & Games”
- Find a skill by clicking the search icon or search by category
- Tap/click “Enable to Use”
Find out which skills are enabled on your Alexa device
Ever wonder which skills you’ve already enabled? It’s easy to find out. Here’s how:
- Open your Alexa app
- Tap the Hamburger icon
- Tap/click “Skills & Games”
- Tap/click “Your Skills”
From this screen, you’ll be able to see which skills you have enabled, which have been recently updated, and which need your attention. If a skill needs your attention, it’s likely because you need to create or link an external account in order for a skill to work.
VoiceBrew: Get more out of your Alexa Device with tips delivered straight to your inbox
VoiceBrew was created to help people get more out of their Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you’re just setting up your first Alexa device, or are a seasoned pro looking for advanced tips, VoiceBrew can help.
I love Alexa but realized that most people weren’t familiar with all of the capabilities available in every device! With VoiceBrew, you’ll have access to comprehensive how-to guides that cover basic set-up all the way to more advanced routines.
Wondering what devices work with Alexa? I cover that, too in VoiceBrew Alexa smart home guides. Ready to get started? Sign up for the VoiceBrew newsletter today.