Whether you just got your very first Amazon Echo, or already have a smart home with an Echo device in every room, here are the top things you should try on your Echo.

1. Set up Voice ID

Voice ID allows Alexa to recognize different people by their voice. This helps Alexa give personalized responses like your calendar events, music recommendations, reminders, and more.

To set it up:

  1. Open the Alexa app
  2. Go to More → Settings → Your Profile & Family
  3. Tap Voice ID
  4. Follow the setup process

Once done, try saying:

“Alexa, who am I?”

2. Create routines

Routines let you automate multiple actions with a single command.

For example, saying:

“Alexa, good night”

could:

  • Turn off your lights
  • Lower the volume
  • Tell you tomorrow’s weather
  • Set an alarm

You can create routines in the Alexa app under:

More → Routines

3. Try fun voice commands

Alexa can do way more than answer questions.

Here are some fun things to try:

  • “Alexa, tell me a joke”
  • “Alexa, beatbox”
  • “Alexa, open animal sounds”
  • “Alexa, sing a song”
  • “Alexa, what’s the meaning of life?”

Some answers are surprisingly good.

4. Connect your music services

By default, Alexa uses Amazon Music, but you can also connect:

  • Spotify
  • Apple Music
  • YouTube Music
  • JioSaavn
  • Gaana

After linking your account, you can simply say:

“Alexa, play my playlist”

5. Use Alexa as a Bluetooth speaker

Your Echo can work like a normal Bluetooth speaker.

Say:

“Alexa, pair Bluetooth”

Then connect your phone or laptop from Bluetooth settings.

This is great for playing audio from apps Alexa does not support directly.

6. Enable useful skills

Skills are basically apps for Alexa.

Some useful categories include:

  • Productivity
  • Meditation
  • Games
  • News
  • Smart home control

To browse skills:

  1. Open the Alexa app
  2. Go to More → Skills & Games

7. Control your smart home

Alexa works with smart bulbs, plugs, TVs, ACs, and more.

Once connected, you can say things like:

  • “Alexa, turn off the bedroom lights”
  • “Alexa, turn on the TV”
  • “Alexa, set the AC to 24 degrees”

Even a single smart plug can make everyday devices feel smarter.

8. Set reminders and timers

One of Alexa’s most useful features is simple reminders.

Examples:

  • “Alexa, remind me to drink water at 5 PM”
  • “Alexa, set a 10 minute timer”
  • “Alexa, wake me up at 7 tomorrow”

Perfect for cooking, studying, or daily routines.

9. Use Drop In and announcements

If you have multiple Echo devices, you can communicate between rooms.

Try saying:

“Alexa, announce dinner is ready”

or

“Alexa, drop in on the living room”

It works almost like an intercom system.

10. Explore hidden features

Alexa has tons of hidden tricks and easter eggs.

Some interesting ones:

  • “Alexa, self destruct”
  • “Alexa, do you know Siri?”
  • “Alexa, up up down down left right left right A B go”
  • “Alexa, tell me a Star Wars joke”

Half the fun is discovering random commands.

Final thoughts

Alexa devices are much more powerful than simple smart speakers. Even basic features like routines, reminders, and smart home controls can genuinely make everyday life easier.

The best way to discover new features is honestly to just keep asking Alexa random things.