So you finally decided to try Alexa. Maybe you got an Echo device as a gift, or you picked one up during a sale. Either way, you plugged it in, downloaded the app, and now you're staring at this glowing ring wondering what to actually do with it.
I've been there. And honestly, the setup process is the easy part. The harder question is: did you buy the right device for your needs?
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about setting up your first Alexa device, and help you figure out if you made the right choice between the Echo Dot and Echo Show.
What you need before you start:
Before we get into the setup, make sure you have these ready:
- A smartphone with the Alexa app installed (iOS or Android)
- Your WiFi network name and password
- An Amazon account (free is fine, Prime is not required)
- A power outlet near where you want to place your device
That's it. No hub required, no subscription needed, no technical knowledge necessary.
Setting up your Echo Dot:
The Echo Dot is Amazon's most popular Alexa device, and for good reason. It costs around $50, sounds decent for its size, and does everything Alexa can do. Here's the setup process:
Step 1: Plug in your Echo Dot and wait for the light ring to turn orange. This means it's in setup mode.
Step 2: Open the Alexa app on your phone. Tap "Devices" at the bottom, then tap the "+" icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Select "Add Device" then choose "Amazon Echo" and "Echo Dot."
Step 4: The app will search for your device. Once it finds it, select your WiFi network and enter your password.
Step 5: Choose which room the device is in (this helps if you add more devices later).
That's the whole process. Takes about 5 minutes.
Setting up your Echo Show 5:
The Echo Show 5 follows almost the same process, but with one key difference: you can do most of the setup directly on the touchscreen.
Step 1: Plug in your Echo Show 5. It will boot up and display a welcome screen.
Step 2: Select your language and connect to your WiFi network using the touchscreen.
Step 3: Sign into your Amazon account. You can type on the screen or use the Alexa app to make this faster.
Step 4: The device will download any available updates. This can take a few minutes.
Step 5: Customize your home screen preferences and you're done.
The screen makes the initial setup feel more intuitive, especially if you're not comfortable with smartphone apps.
The first commands you should try:
Once your device is set up, try these commands to get comfortable:
- "Alexa, what time is it?"
- "Alexa, what's the weather today?"
- "Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes"
- "Alexa, play some music"
- "Alexa, tell me a joke"
These basic commands work on both the Echo Dot and Echo Show. The difference is that the Echo Show will also display visual information on its screen.
Which device should you actually use?
Here's where most beginners get stuck. You set up your device, played with it for a day, and now you're wondering if you bought the right one.
The Echo Dot is perfect if:
- You mainly want voice control for music, timers, and smart home devices
- You're placing it in a bedroom, bathroom, or small room
- You want to add Alexa to multiple rooms without spending too much
- You prefer a minimal device that blends into the background
The Echo Show 5 is better if:
- You want to see your calendar, weather, or video feeds
- You plan to make video calls with family
- You like following recipes with visual step-by-step guidance
- You want a smart alarm clock with a display
The price difference is about $40. For some people, the screen is worth every penny. For others, it's a feature they never use.
If you're still not sure which one fits your situation, I wrote a detailed comparison that breaks down every difference: Echo Dot vs Echo Show 5: Which One Should You Buy? You should definetly check it out.
Common setup problems and how to fix them:
"Alexa is not responding"
Check if the microphone is muted. On the Echo Dot, there's a button on top that turns red when muted. On the Echo Show, look for the camera/mic button.
"Device won't connect to WiFi"
Make sure you're connecting to 2.4GHz WiFi, not 5GHz. Some older Echo devices struggle with 5GHz networks. Also, double check your password for typos.
"The app can't find my device"
Unplug your Echo, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and you're on the same WiFi network.
"Alexa keeps misunderstanding me"
Go to the Alexa app, tap "More" then "Settings" then "Voice Responses." You can also check your voice history to see what Alexa thought you said.
What to do after the setup:
Once you've got the basics working, here are some next steps to explore:
- Create a morning routine. Go to the Alexa app, tap "More" then "Routines." Create one called "Good Morning" that tells you the weather, your calendar, and plays the news.
- Connect your music service. Alexa works with Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more. Link your account in the app under Settings > Music & Podcasts.
- Add smart home devices. If you have smart plugs, lights, or thermostats, add them through the Alexa app. Voice control is where Alexa really shines.
- Enable some skills. Skills are like apps for Alexa. Try "Sleep Sounds" for white noise or "Jeopardy" for a daily trivia game.
Final thoughts:
Setting up your first Alexa device takes less than 10 minutes. The real learning curve is figuring out how to make it useful in your daily life.
Start simple. Use it for timers, weather, and music. Then gradually add more features as you get comfortable. You don't need to automate your entire house on day one.
And if you're still debating between the Echo Dot and Echo Show, remember: the Dot is about listening, the Show is about seeing. Pick the one that matches how you want to interact with your smart home.
Got questions about your Alexa setup? Drop them in the comments below.
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