How to set up:

Amazon Echo Dot,

Echo and Echo Show
 Contents
3 A Technology for Life guide

4 Setting up Echo Dot (4th Gen)

and Echo (4th Gen)

7 Getting started with Alexa

15 How to set up an Echo Show

2
 A Technology for
Life guide

This guide explains how you can set

up and get the most out of your smart
speaker with Alexa: Echo Dot, Echo
and Echo Show. The Echo Dot and the
Echo are set up in the same way and
do the same things, but the Echo Show
has a different set up and some extra
functions. Accordingly, you will find the
Echo Dot and the Echo instructions at
the start of this document and additional
details on the set up of the Echo Show
at the end.

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 Setting up Echo Dot (4th Orientation: Hold the Amazon Echo in your hand.
The power cable should extend out the back of the
Gen) and Echo (4th Gen) device, away from you. There are four buttons on
the top of the device.
1. Plug in your Amazon Echo device
Choose a suitable location for your Echo device. It 1. Action is at 12 o’clock
must always be plugged in and connected to the 2. Volume Up is at 3 o’clock
internet. You should be careful to position your 3. Microphone Mute is at 6 o’clock
device somewhere where you can hear it, and it
4. Volume Down is at 9 o’clock
can hear you speak.
Plug in your Echo device using the supplied power
adaptor. There are two ports on the back of the
device – the pin will only fit into the port on the
right-hand side. Gently push the pin into place.
The Echo’s light ring will spin blue around the
base of the device, and then turn orange for
setup mode.
Don’t worry if you can’t see the coloured ring.
A sound will indicate that the device is in
setup mode.
Note: Screen reader users should wait to plug in
their device until they have completed Point 4
in this guide.

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2. Download the Amazon Alexa app to your Enter payment information for your new Amazon
smartphone or tablet account or click “Cancel” to bypass this stage. Card
Go to your app store on your smartphone or tablet details are required to download paid-for apps and
and search for the Amazon Alexa app. The app is skills, or to purchase goods using Alexa, but they
free on iOS, Android and comes pre-installed on can be added at a later date.
Amazon’s Fire Tablets. Newer Fire tablets should
4. Add your Amazon Echo
have the Alexa app installed already.
Open the Alexa app you downloaded earlier on your
3. Log in to your Amazon account phone or tablet, then tap the “More” icon in the
You need an Amazon account to use the Amazon bottom right.
Alexa app. If you already have an Amazon account Tap the first option, “Add a device” to start the
set up (on a computer or on your phone) just log in connection process. Once you have done this your
using your existing email address and password for Echo device will connect to your wi-fi automatically
Amazon. and you should not need to do it again.
If you don’t have an Amazon account already, click You are asked, “What type of device are you
“New to Amazon? Create an Account”. setting up?” Here you can add any number of
This link takes you to the “Create an Amazon smart home devices to your account, from smart
Account” screen, with fields for entering your name, lights to home heating controls. Tap “Amazon
email address, and password (which you must Echo”. Select your Echo device from the selection
retype to confirm). in the list and tap to select it.
If you find entering information on a smartphone Note: Screen Reader users should now plug in their
tricky, you can set up the Amazon account on a PC device. The light ring will spin blue around the top
or Mac and then log in to the app on the phone. of the device, and then turn orange for setup mode.

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5. Enter setup mode Note: Your password is most likely printed on a
The next screen on the Alexa app asks you, “Is your sticker on your router. It is useful to keep a note on
Echo plugged in and displaying an orange light?” your phone password keeper so that you can easily
Note: If the light ring is not orange, press and hold copy and paste the wi-fi details when required.
the Action button for five seconds. Tap “Connect” in the app once the password is
Tap “Yes”. typed in.
Alexa will speak to tell you the device is “Now in It might take a few moments for the device to
setup mode”. connect, but once it has done so, you should be
taken back to the settings menu, with your Amazon
6. Connecting to wi-fi Echo now listed as being online. On the device itself,
Select “Connect to Wi-Fi” from the next page to the light ring should turn off and Alexa will say:
continue the setup process and get connected. “Your Echo is ready”.
You’ll be directed to close the Alexa app and open Note: If you’re having problems connecting to wi-fi,
your phone’s Wi-Fi settings. try performing a factory reset. While the device is
Turn on wi-fi (if it’s not on already), then select the switched on, press and hold the Microphone Mute
Amazon Echo device from the list of access points and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for 20
– the Echo’s name should start with the word seconds to do this.
“Amazon”. Tap “Connect”.
Once connected, go back into the Alexa app. It
should now say it is connected to the Echo. Tap
“Continue”.
Back in the Alexa app, you’ll see a list of available
wi-fi networks. Select your home wi-fi. Enter the wi-fi
password when asked.
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 Getting started with Alexa One of the Amazon Echo’s most popular benefits
is playing music. By default, Alexa will play from
Your Echo device is now fully set up, connected to Amazon Music (Free Tier).
your wi-fi, and ready to start providing assistance
Amazon Music is available free, but has a limited
and entertainment on just using your voice.
music library. To find an artist simply say, “Alexa
If you want a test to make sure that it’s working, play music by Elvis,” or for a specific track say,
you can try out a few simple commands. Your “Alexa, play Jailhouse Rock by Elvis.”
device responds to the wake word, which by default
For a wider selection of music, you can link your
is Alexa but can be changed to Amazon, Echo or
device to a paid for service like Amazon Music
Computer. Try saying “Alexa”, followed by “hello”.
Unlimited or Spotify.
If everything’s working as expected then your
Amazon Echo should say “hello” back. Alarms, timers and lists
Here are some useful things to try with your You can use your device to set alarms and timers
Amazon Echo. by saying, “Alexa, set an alarm for [time]”, “Set an
alarm for [time] every [day of the week]” or “Set a
Radio and music five-minute timer.”
Your Echo device will play many radio stations
You can set up reminders. Say, “Alexa, set a
without having to be tuned in or set up. Simply
reminder”. Alexa will ask what you want reminded
say, “Alexa play [name the station]” and if it is a
of (e.g. going to the hairdresser), and when you
compatible radio station it will start to play. Lots
want notified (e.g. 10.30am tomorrow).
of the big commercial stations as well as many
small local ones are set up. Your favourite FM or You can create and update lists by saying, “Alexa,
digital radio station should be there. create a list.” Give your list a name, then add things
to it by saying, for example, “Alexa, add dog food to
my shopping list.”

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 News
You can simply say, “Alexa, what’s today’s news?” or
you can set your device up to give you news from
specific sources by creating Flash Briefings. To set up
a Flash Briefing:
1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone
2. Tap the “More” icon in the bottom right corner
3. Tap “Settings”
4. Scroll down to tap “Flash Briefing”
5. Tap + to “Add Content”
6. Search for a Flash Briefing by tapping the
magnifying glass in the upper right corner
7. Tap “Enable To Use”.
You can add as many different Flash Briefings as
you like. Open them by saying, “Alexa, play my Flash
Briefing from [name of news service, e.g. BBC].”

Weather
Simply say, “Alexa, what’s the weather like today?” to
hear the weather in your location. You can also ask
to hear what the weather is like in other places, or
ask if it will rain or if the sun will shine.

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Recipes and conversion Communications
Your Echo device can be very helpful in the kitchen. You can make free calls to people you know who
As well as setting timers and alarms, Alexa can also have an Amazon Echo device. Calls are made
provide recipes, step by step cooking instructions using your internet connection. You don’t have to
and weights and measurement conversion. add contacts manually.
You can look at what ingredients you have in To set up communications using the Amazon Echo:
your fridge and just say, “Alexa, give me a recipe
for chicken and baked beans” and the device will 1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or
give you three options and ask you to choose or tablet
hear more. You can say “Alexa, what should I have 2. Tap “Communicate” (the second icon along
for lunch?” or, “Alexa, give me a recipe for chilli the bottom)
con carne.”
3. Verify your mobile phone information
You can then have the cooking instructions read
aloud to you or sent to your phone to read later. 4. Grant permissions for calling and messaging.

Alexa can also convert measurements from a Optional: Import your mobile phone’s contact list
recipe if you aren’t sure. Just ask, “Alexa, how many when prompted.
tablespoons are in a half cup?” or more complex You should now be able to ask Alexa to make calls
conversion questions, like “Alexa, how much does or send messages through your Echo. Just say,
one cup of flour weigh?” or, “What is 120 grams in “Alexa, call [Name]”. The recipient’s Echo will tell
ounces?”. Alexa can also tell you nutrition facts and them who is calling and they can choose to accept
cooking times. or reject the call by saying “Answer” or “Ignore”.
Remember, your Amazon Echo is a hands-free device
with a speaker and microphones. This means anyone
nearby will be able to hear your conversation.

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Bluetooth Smart Home
All Echo devices have built-in Bluetooth. This makes The Amazon Echo is compatible with a range of
it a Bluetooth speaker, so you can play music or any smart home devices including smart lights, locks,
other audio from your phone. You can also use the speakers, TVs, and more. When you set these up you
Bluetooth connection to pair a Bluetooth speaker can control them all using Alexa.
or Bluetooth headphones with your Echo.
These devices are purchased separately and are add-
The easiest way to pair a phone with your Echo ons that can increase the number of things you do
is to say, “Alexa, pair”. The device will then look with your device and even make your home safer
for Bluetooth devices that are discoverable. So and more comfortable.
make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone’s
settings and that it is also set to be discoverable Smart lights are amongst the best value smart
by other devices. home devices. Smart lights are special bulbs that
you connect to your Echo device and once they
Alternatively, go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings are set up you can simply say, “Alexa, turn on the
and look through the list of available devices for [name of the smart light],” and it will come on or
your Echo (after saying, “Alexa, pair”). When the go off. You can use the Alexa app to switch your
Echo shows up in the list of discovered devices, tap lights on when you are away from home and even
it and then tap “Pair” when prompted. set up special routines that will switch your smart
You should hear a chime and then Alexa will say, lights on and off at certain times.
“Now connected to [your device name]”. Smart home devices include heating controls,
To stop streaming over Bluetooth say, “Alexa, televisions, home security systems, sound systems
disconnect Bluetooth.” Or just turn off Bluetooth and door locks. Many are easy to set up, but some
on your device. can be more complicated, so knowing which are
right for you can be tricky. Before spending a
lot of money:

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• Make sure the device is compatible with Alexa
• Make sure the design is right for your household
(not too big, fits your light socket, works with
your heating system)
• Check some reviews online to see how other
people rate the product
• Check it is well made and good quality –
sometimes the cheapest devices available
online may not be the best for your needs.
Make sure whatever you buy meets relevant
UK Safety standards.

You can always call the RNIB Helpline on

0303 123 9999 and ask to speak to one of our
technology experts for advice about choosing a
smart home device and get help setting it up.

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 Change the wake word
By default, your Amazon Echo device is set to
activate when it hears the word “Alexa”, but you
might want to change this if one of your family
members is called Alexa, or similar, and you don’t
want your smart speaker to activate whenever
you’re talking to them.
1. Go to the Alexa app
2. Tap the “More” icon in the bottom right
3. Go to “Settings”
4. Tap “Device Settings” and select your Echo device
5. Scroll down to where it says, “Wake Word”
6. Tap this to get four options: “Alexa” (the
default), “Amazon”, “Echo” and “Computer”.
Whatever you select now is the word you use when
you speak to the device.

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Change the device sounds “Alexa, how do I register as sight impaired or
severely sight impaired?” or “Alexa, what should
You can ask Alexa to make a sound before and after
I do if I think I’m losing my sight?”
the wake word, so you always know that Alexa has
heard you speak. Alexa Skills
1. Go to the Alexa app Alexa skills are how you enable your device to help
you perform more voice-activated actions. Skills add
2. Tap the “More” icon in the bottom right
new functions to your experience with Alexa. They
3. Go to “Settings” are available in a variety of categories, such as:
4. Tap “Device Settings” and select your Amazon • Education & Reference
Echo device
• Games & Trivia
5. Scroll down to where it says “Sounds”
• Health & Fitness
6. Scroll to “Request Sounds” and tap “Start of • Kids
Request” and “End of Request”
• Productivity
7. Here you can also change the default volume
• Shopping
and the alarm sounds.
• Smart Home
Sight loss advice
• Sports
RNIB and Amazon have worked closely together to
You can discover skills by voice or in the Alexa app.
make information and advice about living with sight
loss accessible using your Echo device. By voice, try saying, “Alexa, discover skills.” The
device will then list the three most popular skills,
You can now instantly hear RNIB-verified
tell you a little about them and ask you if you want
information using voice commands such as, “Alexa,
to enable them. You can say Yes or No or ask to
what assistive technology do blind people use?”,
hear more.
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In the app, tap the “More” icon in the bottom right.
Select “Skills and Games”.
Echo Show
There are three different sizes of Echo Show
“Discover” lists popular skills. “Categories” breaks
devices available with varying screens, speakers
skills down by use or subject area. You can select
and cameras.
the magnifying glass icon to search for a skill. If you
know the name of the skill just type it here, or if Features:
you want to view options, scroll through the results.
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)
When you select a skill, more information will Screen: 5.5” with 960 x 480 resolution
appear. Tap “Enable” to install the selected skill,
then simply ask Alexa to open the skill when you Speakers: 1 x 1.7”
want to use it. Camera: Two Megapixel

Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)

Screen: 8.0” with 1280 x 800 resolution
Speakers: 2 x 2.0”
Camera: 13 Megapixel

Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

Screen: 10.1” with 1280 x 800 resolution
Speakers: 2 x 2.2”
Camera: 13 Megapixel

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 How to set up an Set up
1. Plug your Echo Show into the mains and wait
Echo Show until you hear a musical tone.
Orientation: On the top of the Echo Show from left 2. Turn on VoiceView by pressing and holding the
to right are: Mic/Camera button.
Microphone/Camera button: Tap this to turn off 3. When you hear an alert, place two fingers
the microphone and camera (privacy mode). A long slightly apart on the screen for five seconds. You
press of this button brings up a “Power Off” option. will hear VoiceView is turned on.
Volume down and volume up. Note: Don’t worry – when you press the Mic/
A sliding camera cover: The camera cover enables Camera button a “Power Off” message is displayed.
you to cover the camera if you do not want the When VoiceView is enabled this disappears
camera on. 4. The VoiceView tutorial will start. You can do it
Between the three buttons are small holes. now or later by listening to the instructions.
These are the microphones. 5. Now select a language.
At the bottom, on the protruding back, are: 6. Select your wi-fi from a list and then add your
• Power socket wi-fi password.

• Micro USB socket 7. Select “Done” and then “Connect” to connect to

your wi-fi network.
8. Next you need to sign in to your Amazon
account (see Point 3 on page 5 above).
9. The device will then register itself and a welcome
screen with your name will appear.

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10. Tap “Continue” and select your time zone. Home: Returns you to the home screen
11. Confirm your address for any orders you make Display brightness: An adjustable slider with
on the device. You can skip this for now if you dimmest on the left and brightest on the right.
prefer, and return to it later. With VoiceView on, swipe up or down to adjust.
12. Select which room the device is in, or skip for Do not disturb: Blocks notifications, except timers
now. You can choose a room to distinguish and alarms, and can be scheduled for particular
between similar devices in your house. times e.g. overnight.
13. Now name the device or keep the default name Settings: In “Settings” you can customise many
and tap “Continue”. features of your Echo Show and add helpful
functions.
14. Choose a wallpaper from a selection of image
categories. Accessibility features
15. The device will update itself and a welcome Go to “Settings” and tap “Accessibility”.
screen will appear. There may then be a brief
introductory video to play. VoiceView
VoiceView describes what you touch and interact
Your Echo Show will speak the time so you know with on the screen (for example, an item in a list).
that it is now set up and ready to use.
• In “Accessibility”, tap “VoiceView Screen Reader”.
Settings
• Or say: “Alexa, turn [on/off] VoiceView.”
Either say, “Alexa, Open Settings,” or drag down with
three fingers from top of screen if using VoiceView. In the VoiceView settings you can adjust the reading
speed and volume and the feedback tone volume.
The menu items from left to right are “Home”,
“Display brightness”, “Do not disturb” and “Settings”.

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The main gestures to navigate an Echo Show using
VoiceView are:
• Flick right to move to next item
• Flick left to move to previous item
• Double tap to activate an item
• Use three fingers to scroll a list
To learn more about using gestures, select
VoiceView Tutorial.

More vision settings

Screen Magnifier: Allows you to use gestures to
magnify the screen
Colour Inversion: Inverts colour values on all
screens. For example, white text on a black screen
becomes black text on a white screen.
Colour Correction: Modifies the screen colours to
assist with the following types of colour blindness:
• Deuteranomaly (red-green)
• Protanomaly (red-green)
• Tritanomaly (blue-yellow)

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Getting started with the Echo Show 4. Double tap on it.
The Echo Show has Alexa built in and you can 5. A message will appear on your phone asking you
use all the features that are listed on pages 7-14. to confirm that you want to pair.
Here are some other useful ways to use your
Echo Show: 6. Double tap to confirm and the two devices
should connect.
Bluetooth
Now when you play audio on your phone the sound
You can use Bluetooth to connect, or pair, another will come through your Echo Show. To disconnect
device to your Echo Show. By pairing a speaker or your phone, just say, “Alexa, disconnect from my
a set of headphones, you can listen to audio from phone.” Next time you want to connect your phone,
the Echo Show device where you are, or if you pair just ask Alexa to connect.
your phone to the Echo Show, you can play any
audio that is on your phone through the Show Display contacts
speaker. Any music or audiobook you play on your See Communications on page 9 for information
phone can then be played through the Echo Show about how to give your Echo Show access to your
speakers. phone contacts. Once you have done this, recent
To pair a phone: contacts are displayed in a list on your Echo Show
screen. There’s a link at the bottom that you can
1. Go to “Settings” on both the phone and the Echo tap to call that person.
Show.
Display lyrics
2. Go to “Bluetooth”.
When playing a song via a compatible music service
Note: On the phone make sure Bluetooth is there is a “Lyrics” link. When activated, your Echo
switched on. Show now displays the words of the song against a
3. You should see the name of your phone appear picture background.
on the Echo Show screen.
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Note: You can’t get VoiceView to read the lyrics if Display photos
you wanted to find out what a particular word is, You can display an album from your Amazon
for example. photos. Open “Settings” and find “Wallpaper
and clock”. Then select “Amazon photos” or
Make video calls and call other Echo devices
“Facebook Photos”. Choose the album you want
You can use Skype to video call someone over the displayed on the Echo Show screen.
internet using your Echo Show and you can video
call someone who also has an Echo Show of their Weather
own or through the Alexa app on their smartphone When you ask what the weather forecast is, Alexa
or tablet. Make a video Skype call by saying, “Alexa, announces the current temperature and what you
Skype [name].” can expect in general, for example the max and
min temperatures and cloudy or rainy weather.
Show and connect to video doorbell output
On the Echo Show a screen is then displayed with
If your Echo Show is connected to a video doorbell the hourly forecast which can be read out using
or camera system the screen will show what is VoiceView if you drag your finger over the display.
happening on the camera and allow you to speak to
anyone at your front door.

Display timers
Simply say, “Alexa, set a timer for [time]
minutes,” and the countdown is displayed in large
characters on the Echo Show screen. The last few
seconds are displayed as bouncing circles coming
in from either side. Although the countdown
appears visually on the screen, you have to ask
Alexa how long is left on a timer to get it read
out, as VoiceView doesn’t read it.
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