Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Kravelv Spiegel
Key takeaways:
- Alexa helps beginners simplify daily tasks with essential voice commands.
- These commands cover productivity, smart home control, entertainment, and information access.
- Mastering basic commands builds a foundation for exploring advanced Alexa features later.
- Using Alexa daily enhances organization, convenience, and automation in everyday routines.
Alexa is more than a smart speaker—it’s a digital assistant that can quietly reshape your daily routine with just a few simple phrases. But with hundreds of features hidden behind voice detection, most beginners barely scratch the surface of what their device can truly do.
These 10 Alexa Voice Commands Every New User Should Know unlock the fastest, easiest way to turn any Echo device into a powerful, time-saving companion. The question is: once you realize how much Alexa can do for you, how hands-free do you want your life to become?
Before You Begin: Make Sure Your Alexa Is Set Up Correctly
Many new users skip this step, which leads to inaccurate responses or limited features. Make sure:
- Your Echo or Alexa app is connected to strong Wi-Fi
- You’ve logged into your Amazon account
- Your preferred music, calendar, and video apps are linked
- Voice ID and household profiles are set up
Doing this ensures Alexa recognizes your voice, retrieves personal information, and delivers more accurate responses.
Related read: Ultimate Guide to Amazon Alexa
1. “Alexa, what’s the weather today?”
Best for: Quick daily updates
Why it matters: Before stepping out of the house, this command gives you real-time weather information including temperature, humidity, and rain chances.
You can also be more specific:
- “Alexa, will it rain today?”
- “Alexa, what’s the weather this weekend?”
- “Alexa, what’s the weather in New York?”
Weather updates are one of the first things new users rely on Alexa for—and it’s incredibly accurate because it pulls from multiple weather sources.
2. “Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes.”
Best for: Cooking, workouts, productivity
Timers are one of Alexa’s most-used features because they’re hands-free and fast.
Other variations:
- “Alexa, set a pasta timer for 12 minutes.”
- “Alexa, how much time is left on my timer?”
- “Alexa, cancel all timers.”
Pro tip: You can run multiple timers at once, each with unique names.
3. “Alexa, remind me to…”
Best for: Important tasks you don’t want to forget
Alexa reminders are incredibly helpful and trigger at the right time—even on your phone if you leave the house.
Examples:
- “Alexa, remind me to water the plants every Sunday at 9 AM.”
- “Alexa, remind me to take my medicine at 6 PM.”
- “Alexa, remind me to pay rent on the first of every month.”
Perfect for busy users who want a minimalist productivity system.
4. “Alexa, play music I like.”
Best for: Instant entertainment without scrolling
Alexa can play music using your preferred streaming service such as Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music (depending on your region).
Try these variations:
- “Alexa, play relaxing music.”
- “Alexa, play 90s hits.”
- “Alexa, next song.”
- “Alexa, increase the volume.”
If you have multiple Echo devices, you can even say:
“Alexa, play music everywhere.”
5. “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.”
Best for: Groceries, errands, and to-do management
Anything you tell Alexa to add to your list will automatically appear in the Alexa app—so you can open it while shopping.
Examples:
- “Alexa, add eggs to my shopping list.”
- “Alexa, add fix faucet to my to-do list.”
- “Alexa, what’s on my shopping list?”
List commands are especially useful in a smart home kitchen setup.
6. “Alexa, control the lights.”
Best for: Smart home beginners
If you have smart lights, plugs, or switches, Alexa can control them instantly.
Try:
- “Alexa, turn on the living room lights.”
- “Alexa, set the bedroom lights to 30%.”
- “Alexa, turn off everything.”
You can also create routines—for example:
“Alexa, good night” can turn off lights, lock doors, and lower AC with one command.
New Users Tip: Be sure to name your devices clearly in the Alexa app so commands stay consistent. For example: “Bedroom Lamp,” not “Device 3.”
7. “Alexa, call Mom.”
Best for: Hands-free communication
If you sync contacts through the Alexa app, you can make calls without touching your phone.
More commands:
- “Alexa, answer the call.”
- “Alexa, redial.”
- “Alexa, drop in on the kitchen.” (Echo-to-Echo intercom)
Families love this feature because it’s fast, safe, and easy—especially when your hands are occupied.
8. “Alexa, what’s the news?”
Best for: Staying informed
Alexa’s Flash Briefing summarizes news from top sources like Reuters, CNN, NPR, or any custom providers you choose.
Variations:
- “Alexa, play my Flash Briefing.”
- “Alexa, what’s trending right now?”
- “Alexa, what’s the stock market doing?”
A great command to begin your morning routine.
9. “Alexa, tell me a joke.”
Best for: Light entertainment
Alexa’s humor library is surprisingly extensive—and constantly updated. Kids especially love this command.
You can try:
- “Alexa, tell me a dad joke.”
- “Alexa, tell me a science joke.”
- “Alexa, surprise me.”
This command shows beginners Alexa’s fun and personality-driven side.
10. “Alexa, help.”
Best for: Discovering more features
This command is often overlooked but extremely valuable for new users. Alexa can teach you what else she can do.
Try:
- “Alexa, what new features do you have?”
- “Alexa, what can I ask you?”
- “Alexa, give me some tips.”
It instantly unlocks a list of skills you may not know existed—from language translations to bedtime stories to guided meditations.
Privacy & Safety Commands Every New User Should Know
Privacy is one of the most common concerns for new Alexa owners. These commands give you full control:
1. “Alexa, delete what I just said.”
This command instantly removes your most recent voice recording from Amazon’s servers. It’s perfect for moments when you accidentally trigger Alexa or say something you don’t want saved.
2. “Alexa, delete everything I said today.”
This wipes all voice commands recorded within the day, giving you full control over your daily privacy. It’s useful if multiple people use the device or you simply want a clean slate.
3. “Alexa, what did you hear?”
Alexa will repeat the last phrase she interpreted, helping you understand what was captured. This is especially helpful if you’re concerned about misheard words or unexpected activations.
4. “Alexa, turn off the microphone.”
This disables Alexa’s listening feature until you manually turn the microphone back on. It’s the strongest privacy move, ideal during private conversations or when you want complete peace of mind.
Understanding these builds trust and transparency for long-term users.
Bonus Commands for Power Users
- “Alexa, find my phone.”
- “Alexa, show me the front door camera.” (Echo Show)
- “Alexa, start my morning routine.”
- “Alexa, create a routine for me.”
Alexa Voice Commands FAQs
No. You can use Alexa through the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone, though Echo devices provide the best hands-free experience.
Yes. Alexa is designed to process natural language, so you can speak normally without using exact phrases.
Yes. Most built-in Alexa features and commands are free. Some third-party skills or streaming services may require subscriptions.
Ensure your device is connected to strong Wi-Fi, keep the microphone unobstructed, and retrain your voice profile if needed.
Amazon allows you to delete recordings anytime by saying, “Alexa, delete what I just said,” or adjusting your privacy settings in the Alexa app.
Final words
Understanding these Alexa Voice Commands creates a foundation for a smarter, more intuitive living space. With every command you master, your voice becomes a remote control for productivity, comfort, and daily convenience. Alexa learns your habits, anticipates your needs, and simplifies even your most ordinary moments. As you explore more commands and routines, you may find yourself wondering how you ever lived without the quiet efficiency of a voice-powered home.
