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Through the Alexa app, you can do quite a few tweaks and tricks, set up tasks, schedule alarms, order things, and so much more. The point of today’s guide is to take a step towards making Alexa truly your own experience with a custom name.
It is a simple process, requiring you to have the Alexa app on your smartphone, an Echo device, and some idea of what you’re going to name it.
Step 1: Download the Alexa App
Step 2: Select Devices
Step 3: Select Echo & Alexa
After navigating to devices, you’ll want to select Echo & Alexa. From here, you’ll see a list of all Echo devices on your local area network. Make sure your intended device is visible on the screen for the next step.
Step 4: Select Device and Rename
Once you’ve chosen your intended Echo, it’s as simple as selecting it and then choosing the Edit Wake Word selection on the menu. From here there’s only a handful of selections with Alexa, Computer, Echo, and Ziggy being selectable. Choose your desired wake word and you’re ready to use your Echo device.
Why Rename Alexa?
However, there are some drawbacks since there is a limited pool of names to choose from. Still, it can be fun commanding it like you’re Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek.
Other Custom Settings for Alexa
Alexa puts the smart in smart assistant and is capable of quite a few tricks to make using it a breeze. Users can create their own voice profiles, which enables Alexa to create personalized responses.
You can also create your own daily routines and commands. This can be super handy for things like the holidays, where giving a command could result in a Christmas playlist gently playing over dinner.
You can even select a new voice for Alexa. Changing Alexa’s voice just adds to more customization of the user experience of the Echo family of products. There are a variety of selections you can make for the voice, with users being able to opt for American, English, Canadian, Australian, and Indian voices.
Custom routines can also be super helpful, whether it’s turning on the lights, television, or coffee maker. It is all easily doable with Alexa devices and a few Echo-compatible devices like smart plugs.
What Else Can Alexa Do?
It also handily integrates with Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more. Some setup might be necessary, but with a little know-how, you can have Alexa play your Spotify playlists with a simple command afterward. It can also make voice calls, using your internet connection to check in on friends, colleagues, and loved ones alike.
The Echo also supports multi-room audio, which does require more than one device. If you’ve got more than one in separate rooms, however, you can assign these to their own groups and have the same thing playing in every room or just one room.
