Instructions in this article apply to the following models: Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, and Echo Tap. If you have another model, learn how to set up an Echo Show or Echo Spot.
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With the app installed on your device and your Echo plugged in and in setup mode, follow these steps to connect it:
Make Your Echo Smarter With Alexa Skills
Select Devices, then choose the plus sign (+) in the upper-right corner.
Select your device from the list, choose the language you want the Echo to use from the drop-down menu, and then select Continue.
If the Echo is not detected, you may be asked to make sure it’s in setup mode. If so, follow the troubleshooting steps to connect your Echo device. If it is connected but not recognized, make sure your mobile device’s Bluetooth settings are on.
Select Connect to Wi-Fi to join the device to your Wi-Fi network.
Wait for the Echo to show an orange light, then choose Continue.
When your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network, return to the Alexa app. Select Continue.
Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect the Echo to by tapping it. If the Wi-Fi network has a password, enter it, then choose Connect.
Your Echo will make a noise and announce that it is ready. Select Continue, and you’re done!
Companies release Skills to help the Echo work with their products. For example, Nest has Echo Skills that let the device control its thermostats, while Philips offers a Skill to let you turn its Hue smart lightbulbs on and off using the Echo. Like with apps, individual developers or small companies also provide silly, fun, or valuable Skills.
Even if you never install a Skill, the Echo comes with all kinds of functionality. But to get the most out of your Echo, you should add some Skills.
Add New Skills to Your Echo
Here’s how to add Skills:
Remove Skills From Your Echo
If you no longer want to use a Skill on your Echo, follow these steps to delete it:
Tap the menu icon to reveal the menu options.
Tap Skills.
You can find new Skills the same way you find apps in an app store: Check out the features items on the homepage, search for them by name in the search bar, or browse by category by tapping the Category button.
When you find a Skill you’re interested in, tap it to learn more. The detail page for each Skill includes suggested phrases for invoking the skill, reviews by users, and overview information.
If you want to install the Skill, tap Enable. (You may be asked to grant permission to certain data from your account.)
When the Enable button changes to read Disable Skill, the Skill has been added to your account.
To start using the Skill, say some of the suggested phrases shown on the detail screen.
More About Using Your Echo
Tap the menu icon to open the menu.
Tap Your Skills in the upper-right corner.
Tap the skill you want to remove.
Tap Disable Skill.
In the pop-up window, tap Disable Skill.
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