10 Amazing Things Alexa Can Do
I never saw Alexa as something I needed and while it may not be- she has made my life a bit easier and, honestly, a bit more fun!
Here are the best things about having one in your home.
Alexa Emergency Assist
Beyond playing music or setting reminders—Alexa can also be a powerful safety tool.
With Alexa Emergency Assist, a subscription service for just $5.99 per month, you can connect to a trained Urgent Response agent 24/7 by simply saying, “Alexa, call for help.”
Whether at home or on the go using the mobile app, help is always just a voice command away. Plus, you can add up to 25 emergency contacts to be notified during an emergency, so you’re never alone in a crisis.
This service offers features that go beyond essential emergency assistance. You can store critical information like medical conditions, pet details, and gate codes for responders. Alexa can even notify you if it detects a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm while you’re out.
If your Echo device is in Do-Not-Disturb mode, incoming calls from Urgent Response will override it, ensuring you won’t miss an alert when it matters most.
Alexa Can Help You Have Peace of Mind
Did you know that your Alexa device can team up with your Ring security system to make monitoring your home easier than ever? By syncing your Ring devices with Alexa, you can use voice commands to keep an eye on your property and enhance your peace of mind.
Getting started is simple. Open the app, go to Skills & Games, and search for the Ring skill. Once you’ve enabled it, log in with your Ring account, and Alexa will automatically detect your Ring cameras, doorbells, and alarms.
Once connected, you can ask Alexa to show live video feeds on your Echo Show or Fire TV by saying, “show the front door,” or “show the backyard camera.” Heading to bed? Say, “arm Ring,” to activate your security system for the night.
It can also send alerts for motion detection, doorbell rings, or alarm triggers. You can customize these alerts to fit your needs, whether you want to know every time someone approaches your door or only when the alarm is set off.
Whether you’re at home or away, Alexa helps you stay connected to your Ring security system and in control of your home’s safety.
Alexa Can Help With Cleaning
Tired of chasing crumbs and dust bunnies? With Alexa and a Shark IQ vacuum, you can turn your home into a hands-free cleaning zone. Connecting your Shark IQ vacuum to Alexa makes managing your cleaning routine as easy as saying, “ask Shark to start cleaning.”
With Alexa, you can schedule cleanings, target specific rooms, or pause and resume vacuuming. For even more convenience, Alexa can remind you to empty the vacuum’s dustbin or alert you if maintenance is needed.
Forget Alexa: We have Disney
If you’re a Disney fan, “Hey Disney!” is like having a little pixie dust in your everyday life .
This magical skill brings the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars right to your Echo device, making your day a little more whimsical.
Some of my favorite features include:
- The timers. Instead of the usual countdown, you can have Olaf cheerfully track your time or Buzz Lightyear encourage you to infinity and beyond! I use it for just about everything from baking cookies, to managing chores.
- Soundscapes. Most of the time I’ll put on a timer and then say, “Hey Disney!” to escape to the holidays in the park soundscape while I work. It’s like stepping into Main Street, U.S.A., complete with festive music and sounds that make you feel like you’re celebrating under the twinkling castle lights.
- Last time I was at the park a cast member did a fun trivia question for me and I failed miserably. Now I juse “Hey Disney!” daily to brush up on my knowledge. “Hey Disney” is full of questions about the parks, movies, and characters. Use it to prep for your next trip—or to challenge friends and family to see who’s the ultimate Disney expert.
Alexa Can Sync Your Calendars
If juggling your schedule feels like a never-ending battle, Alexa can help you get organized with calendar integration. By syncing your calendar to Alexa, you can manage appointments, reminders, and to-dos effortlessly—all with your voice.
Getting started is simple. Open the Alexa app, go to Settings, and select Calendar & Email to link your Google, Microsoft, Apple, or Microsoft Exchange calendar.
Once it’s connected, just say, “what’s on my calendar?” and your Echo device will read off your agenda for the day, week, or even month.
The best part? Alexa can also add events for you. Say, “add lunch with Breanna on Friday at noon,” and it’s saved—no phone, no typing, no hassle. You can even set reminders for specific events or ask it to send notifications to your phone so you’re always in the loop.
For busy families, shared calendars are a game-changer. Link multiple accounts so everyone knows what’s coming up, from soccer practice to dinner plans. Alexa can even notify you of conflicting events, ensuring no one’s double-booked.
Syncing your calendar with Alexa takes the stress out of staying organized. Whether you’re managing work deadlines, family activities, or personal goals, it is like your own personal assistant—just smarter and less coffee-dependent.
Alexa Doubles as a Photo Frame
One of the first things I did was add pictures to my Echo Show. Now, when “home” she sorts through pictures – giving me an extra smile when I walk through the kitchen.
To get started, open the Alexa app, go to Settings, and select your Echo Show device. Under Photo Display, link your Amazon Photos, Facebook, or even your phone’s photo gallery. You can create custom albums or let Alexa pull from all your photos for a fun surprise each time you glance at the screen.
Want something seasonal? Alexa can also pull themed collections, like holiday pictures, sunsets, or even quirky art. Just say, “show my family photos,” or “display holiday pictures,” and let the nostalgia roll.
The Echo Show’s display is perfect for this feature, with crisp resolution and adaptive brightness that makes your photos look stunning, no matter the lighting.
Alexa Can Help You in the Kitchen
If you’re someone who loves discovering new recipes but hates juggling screens or losing track of them, Recipe Keeper on Alexa is about to become your new best friend. This handy skill turns your Echo device into the ultimate sous-chef, letting you manage, access, and even discover recipes with simple voice commands.
One of my favorite features? You can integrate recipes directly from websites into your Recipe Keeper library. Found an amazing lasagna recipe online? Just import it into Recipe Keeper, and Alexa will have it ready for you whenever you need it. No more scrolling through endless ads or fighting with your phone’s lock screen while your hands are covered in flour!
Using Recipe Keeper is effortless. Say, “open Recipe Keeper,” to pull up your collection. From there, Alexa can guide you step-by-step through recipes, adjust serving sizes, or even convert measurements if you’re improvising with ingredients. Forgot to add olive oil to your shopping list? No worries—Alexa can do that mid-recipe.
Recipe Keeper also syncs across devices, so your favorite dishes are accessible on your phone, tablet, or Echo Show. The visual display on Echo Show is perfect for detailed instructions or watching quick demos, while the voice integration keeps your hands free to cook like a pro.
Keeps Reordering Simple
Ever find yourself running low on essentials and wishing you could order with just your voice? With Alexa, you can! Your smart assistant makes shopping on Amazon faster and easier than ever—no laptop or phone required.
To place an order, simply say, “order paper towels,” and she’ll handle the rest. If you’ve purchased the item before, Alexa will suggest the same brand and size, or you can ask for options. Want to double-check? Just say, “what’s in my cart?” to review before confirming your order.
Need something specific? Alexa’s got your back. Try saying, “ find me a reusable water bottle,” and she’ll present a few options for you to choose from. You can even ask for deals by saying, “what are today’s Amazon deals?” Perfect for when you’re feeling thrifty!
Once your order is placed, Alexa will confirm the purchase and provide delivery updates. Want a little extra control? You can enable a PIN for voice purchases in the Alexa app, so only authorized users can place orders.
Alexa: Lighting Up Your Life… or Your Home at least
One of my favorite things about Alexa is how seamlessly she integrates with smart home devices—like my Philips Hue lights. With just a quick setup, I can control my lighting with simple voice commands. For instance, when I walk into a room, I say, “Lumos,” and my lights turn on like magic. Yes, I totally feel like I’m at Hogwarts (Special thanks to my friend Beck for teaching me this)!
Setting it up is easy. First, connect your Philips Hue lights to the Hue Bridge and make sure your Alexa device is on the same Wi-Fi network. Then, open the Alexa app, go to Devices, and click Add Device. Select Philips Hue, and Alexa will detect your lights in seconds. You can group lights by room or even set up custom names for specific fixtures.
What I love most is the flexibility. I can dim the lights for movie night by saying, “set the living room lights to 20%,” or change the ambiance with, “make the bedroom lights blue.” It’s perfect for creating a cozy vibe or adding some flair for special occasions.
And if you’re away, it can control your lights remotely through the app, making it look like someone’s home. It’s not just convenient—it’s also a great security feature.
Integrating Philips Hue with Alexa takes smart lighting to the next level. It’s fun, functional, and makes everyday living a bit more magical.
Is Alexa free?
Yes! Using Alexa is free, although some apps (such as “Hello Disney” and the Ring Security) has an annual fee.
Does Alexa need to be plugged in?
Yes, Alexa comes with an outlet plug and must be plugged in.
Wrapping Up With a Few More Items
Alexa is more than just a voice assistant—it’s the command center for a fully connected smart home. From thermostats to ovens, integrating these devices can transform your daily routines into seamless, hands-free experiences.
Smart thermostats, for example, let you control your home’s temperature with simple voice commands like, “set the temperature to 72 degrees.”
Many models also use automation to adjust based on schedules, saving energy while keeping your home comfortable. Smart ovens are another game-changer, allowing you to preheat, set timers, or even choose specific cooking modes just by asking. No more running to the kitchen—your assistant has it covered.
Beyond these, Alexa can connect with air purifiers, fans, coffee makers, and more, creating a truly interconnected living space. Whether it’s adjusting the air quality or brewing your morning coffee, it makes life easier.
As for me, I’ve already integrated my lights, and have enjoyed it so much that I plan to fully integrate our home with more smart devices, starting with the security system, then the thermostat and, eventually, a smart oven. It has truly helped me save time and added convenience to my everyday life.
