The Alexa App for Android
Then, to begin using Alexa as your Android smart home control center, you’ll need to add smart home devices. You can choose any device that’s Alexa enabled, which can include smart plugs, smart bulbs, smart appliances, and even smart gadgets like smart scales or smart beds.
How to Control Alexa Devices With Your Android Phone
Each type of device might have different setup instructions, so be sure to read the included instructions before you begin this process. You may also have to enable the smart home skill associated with the brand of device you want to control with your Alexa app. Do that from the Alexa app choose the menu (three lines) in the top left corner of the app’s home screen. Then select Skills & Games and search for the brand of the smart device you’re setting up. Alternatively, you can tap the Devices icon in the Alexa app and scroll to the bottom to choose Your Smart Home Skills. On the page that appears tap Enable Smart Home Skills then search for the appropriate skill. Then, to set the smart device up on your Android Alexa app follow these steps:
If you choose a Popular Brand: You are taken directly to the Alexa instructions for setting up that brand of device.If you choose a device type from All Devices: You will then be prompted to select the brand of the device you are setting up.
Once you have a few smart home devices set up, then you can begin to create groups with them. A group is a collection of smart home devices that have a common use. For example, some people set up all the smart home devices in a room as a group. You could also choose to set up all the smart home devices of a specific type as a group, like lights, plugs, or appliances. Adding a group from your Android Alexa App starts in much the same way as adding a device: tap the Devices icon > + (plus) > Add Group. Then:
How to Set Up Scenes With the Alexa App on Your Android Device
When scenes are enabled through a smart product manufacturer’s app, they will appear when you’re setting up Alexa groups. You can then control those apps from your Alexa device or using the Alexa app for Android.
How to Set Up Routines With the Alexa App on Your Android Device
What people are most likely looking for when they want to create a scene for their smart home devices is a routine. A routine is a group of controls that all trigger with the use of a single Alexa command. For example, if you say “Alexa, good morning,” a routine could be triggered to start the coffee maker, turn on the kitchen lights (at half brightness, according to a scene associated with the smart light device), and to play your Daily Briefing. To set up a routine using the Alexa app for Android: After you’ve created your first Alexa routine, you’ll probably want to create others. They are pretty cool to use. You can create as many routines as you like, and Alexa may even have Recommended routines that you can try. Don’t worry. If you create a routine that’s not useful you can edit it by going to the Routines page. Tap the routine you want to edit and then make your changes using the same steps as above. You can also tap the toggle next to Enabled to disable the routine, or if you don’t use it anymore, you can tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the routine page and select Delete Routine.
Voice: This opens the When You Say screen, where you can specify a phrase (that starts with “Alexa,…”) that triggers the routine.Schedule: This allows you to set a specific time of day for a routine to trigger and to choose when the routine should recur.Device: This setting lets you specify that when a supported device is enabled or turned on, a pre-defined routine occurs. For example, if you say “Alexa, turn on the television,” a routine would trigger to dim the lights in the room and change the environmental controls to 68 degrees.
Alexa says: Create or choose a phrase with which you would like Alexa to respond when the routine is triggered. Audio Control: Adjust the volume for the Alexa device you’re addressing. Calendar: Have Alexa read you your agenda for Today, Tomorrow, or the Next Event. Messaging: Receive a notification on the Alexa app or have Alexa make a custom announcement. Music: Choose a song, artist, or playlist for Alexa to play. News: Have Alexa play the news from your Flash Briefing. Smart Home: Have Alexa control a smart device or group of smart devices. Traffic: Have Alexa report traffic for your commute. Weather: Have Alexa report the weather for your area.
