How to Use Amazon Alexa as Your Personal Planner
Staying organized with a busy schedule is hard work. Despite the hundreds of productivity apps out there, many of us still feel overwhelmed with the available options. Some are too complex; some aren’t complex enough.
As a result, many people make do with their phone’s basic reminder, alarm, or note functionality. But what if you could still use these tools on your phone andwith your favorite voice-activated assistant?
We’ll cover exactly how you can use both your phone and your voice to keep on top of things with Alexa reminders, alarms, timers, and lists.
How to Use Alexa Reminders
Reminders serve as alarms but with a twist. Instead of Alexa alerting you at a specific time, reminders have labels and can be triggered at particular locations.
If several people in your household use your Alexa-enabled device, reminders can be set for a specific person on a specific device. Alternatively, Alexa can broadcast reminders to everyone on each device connected to your Alexa account.
Using Your Voice
To create a reminder using your voice, follow this format: “Alexa, add a reminder to (thing to be reminded of) at (time) on (day).”
you may specify the date and time by saying things like tonight, tomorrow, or next Thursday. If you need the reminder to repeat, ask Alexa to remind you every Thursday at 2 p.m., for example.
Using the Alexa App
In the Alexa app (available foriOSandAndroid), you have a few more options to apply to your reminder. Here’s how to set up a basic reminder:
Alexa can also remind you based on your phone’s location. ChangeAt a timetoAt a location, and tapAdd location. You can select your home or work address or add a new one here. Then, set whether you want the reminder to occur as you arrive or leave the location.
If you want to change where the reminder is announced, selectAnnounces fromand choose the relevant device. You can also set reminders to announce from every Alexa-connected device here.
Additionally, you can adjust who the reminder is for by tappingReminder forand selecting the person that needs to be reminded.
How to Create Alexa Alarms
Alexa alarms are similar to other alarms you’ve likely used before. The difference is that Alexa can begin a routine when your alarm goes off—the perfect way to start your day with your favorite radio station or a weather report. If you’d like to learn more about routines, check out our guide onhow to get started with Alexa routines.
To create an alarm using your voice, follow this format: “Alexa, add an alarm for (time) on (day).”
Like Alexa reminders, you can also specify when you want the alarm to repeat. You can replace the day with “weekdays,” “weekends,” or even just “every day.”
If you want to use the Alexa app to create your alarm, follow these steps:
If you want the alarm to repeat, just tapRepeatand select the appropriate option. If you want an alarm to repeat on certain days, tapSelect daysand apply your choice.
It’s also possible to adjust the alarm’s noise if you’re unhappy with the default. PressSoundand select a new noise. A preview will then play on your device.
Lastly, if you want to trigger a routine when your alarm goes off, tap the togglenext to your existing routine to activate it or pressAdd a new Routineto create one.
How to Set Up Alexa Timers
Curiously, the Alexa app doesn’t let you set timers using manual settings. You either need to use your voice with your Alexa-enabled device or use the built-in Alexa function in the app. However, timers you set will appear in the Alexa app and can be managed there.
To create a simple timer using anAlexa voice command, you can say, “Alexa, start a timer for (number) minutes.” It’s possible to set a timer for up to 24 hours.
Handily, Alexa lets you label timers to prevent confusion when using multiple timers. Add a prefix before the word “timer” to label a timer. For example, “Alexa, start a cooking timer for 15 minutes”, or “Alexa, start an egg timer for 7 minutes”.
If you want to check on the status of your timer, you can ask, “Alexa, how long’s left on my timer?”
If you want to start a timer within the Alexa app, just tap theAlexa iconon the homepage or say “Alexa.” You can then use the instructions above to start a timer.
As mentioned, it’s possible to manage timers from the app, with the option to delete or pause a timer. Here’s how:
You can adjust the timer’s volume and tone here, if necessary. Just tapSettingson theTimers page, then select your device. You’ll be presented with avolume sliderand the option to change yourDefault Timer Tone, which can be set as you see fit.
How to Build Alexa Lists
Alexa also has a valuable list feature, meaning it’s no longer necessary to scramble for a pen and paper or open your phone if something pops into your head.
Alexa has two premade lists: a to-do list and a shopping list. However, it’s also possible to create custom lists for just about anything.
To create a list using a voice command, say, “Alexa, create a list.” Alexa will then ask you what to name your list and confirm the name you’ve given.
After this, it’ll ask if there are any items you want to add to the list; you can say these if you wish. Be sure to leave a slight pause between items to prevent Alexa from thinking all of your items are just one item. If you have nothing to add, just say “Nothing” when asked.
To manage your list using your voice, there are a few commands you’re able to use:
For example, if you want to add milk to your shopping list, you’d say, “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.”
Creating and managing lists in the Alexa app is simple. Just follow the instructions below.
To create a custom list:
To add an item, tap the list and selectAdd Item. Then, type in what you’d like to add and press theEnter buttonon your keyboard.
To mark items as complete, tap thecheckboxto the left of the item. If you want to unmark the item as complete, swipe left on theitem. TapRestore.
If you want to delete an item entirely, swipe left on anitemand pressDelete. If you want to delete or archive the entire list, tap thethree dotsin the top-right and selectDelete ListorArchive List.
Organize Your Life
Whether adding reminders on the fly, or remembering an item to buy at the grocery store and adding it to your shopping list with one phrase, staying on top of things with a hectic schedule becomes much simpler with Alexa.
By using these excellent tools that Alexa offers, they’re sure to bring some harmony to your life.
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