You can add a skill to Alexa primarily through voice commands to your Alexa-enabled device or by using the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
Adding new skills expands Alexa's capabilities, allowing her to perform a wider range of tasks, from playing games and providing news updates to controlling smart home devices. There are two main ways to enable these skills:
Adding Skills Using the Alexa App
The Alexa app provides a visual interface for browsing, discovering, and enabling skills. This method is particularly useful for exploring new skills or if you're unsure of the exact skill name.
Step-by-Step Guide
- In the Alexa app, choose Menu (often represented by three horizontal lines or a "More" tab) → Skills & Games.
- Locate the skill you want to enable. You can do this by browsing categories, using the search bar, or checking recommended skills.
- Tap the skill to open its detailed information page. Here, you can read about its features, reviews, and privacy policy.
- Tap Enable (or Enable to Use) to activate the skill on your Alexa account.
Some skills might require you to link an existing account (e.g., a music streaming service or a smart home brand) or provide additional permissions after enabling. This ensures the skill can access necessary information or connect with your other services.
For more information on managing Alexa skills, you can visit resources like Dummies.com.
Adding Skills Using Voice Commands
For a quick and hands-free approach, you can enable skills directly through your Alexa-enabled device, such as an Amazon Echo or Echo Dot.
How to Use Your Voice
- Simply say, "Alexa, enable [skill name]." For example, you might say, "Alexa, enable Big Sky" to add a weather forecast skill, or "Alexa, enable Jeopardy!" to get the popular quiz game.
- Alexa will usually confirm the action. If there are multiple skills with similar names, she might ask for clarification or offer options.
- This method is best when you know the specific skill you want to add, as it bypasses the need to browse the app.
Discovering New Skills
To make the most of your Alexa device, regularly explore new skills that can enhance your daily routines and entertainment.
Tips for Discovery
- Browse Categories: In the Alexa app, navigate through various categories such as "Productivity," "Music & Audio," "Smart Home," and "Games" to find skills that match your interests.
- Use the Search Function: Utilize the search bar in the Alexa app to look for skills related to specific topics, like "meditation," "recipes," or "trivia."
- Alexa's Recommendations: Pay attention to suggestions from Alexa, as she might recommend new skills based on your usage patterns, popular trends, or recently added capabilities.
- Online Resources: Many websites and tech blogs feature curated lists of top Alexa skills, which can be a great way to discover new favorites.
