Amazon Echo Dot Setup guide

How to set up:
AmazonEcho Dot,
Echoand Echo Show

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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

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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
Gen) and Echo (4th Gen)
1. Plug in your Amazon Echo device
Choose a suitable location for your Echo device. It
must always be plugged in and connected to the
internet. You should be careful to position your
device somewhere where you can hear it, and it
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.
Orientation: Hold the Amazon Echo in your hand.
The power cable should extend out the back of the
device, away from you. There are four buttons on
the top of the device.
1. Action is at 12 o’clock
2. Volume Up is at 3 o’clock
3. Microphone Mute is at 6 o’clock
4. Volume Down is at 9 o’clock

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

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5. Enter setup mode
The next screen on the Alexa app asks you, “Is your
Echo plugged in and displaying an orange light?”
Note: If the light ring is not orange, press and hold
the Action button for five seconds.
Tap “Yes”.
Alexa will speak to tell you the device is “Now in
setup mode”.
6. Connecting to wi-fi
Select “Connect to Wi-Fi” from the next page to
continue the setup process and get connected.
You’ll be directed to close the Alexa app and open
your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.
Turn on wi-fi (if it’s not on already), then select the
Amazon Echo device from the list of access points
– the Echo’s name should start with the word
“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.
Note: Your password is most likely printed on a
sticker on your router. It is useful to keep a note on
your phone password keeper so that you can easily
copy and paste the wi-fi details when required.
Tap “Connect” in the app once the password is
typed in.
It might take a few moments for the device to
connect, but once it has done so, you should be
taken back to the settings menu, with your Amazon
Echo now listed as being online. On the device itself,
the light ring should turn off and Alexa will say:
“Your Echo is ready”.
Note: If you’re having problems connecting to wi-fi,
try performing a factory reset. While the device is
switched on, press and hold the Microphone Mute
and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for 20
seconds to do this.

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Getting started with Alexa
Your Echo device is now fully set up, connected to
your wi-fi, and ready to start providing assistance
and entertainment on just using your voice.
If you want a test to make sure that it’s working,
you can try out a few simple commands. Your
device responds to the wake word, which by default
is Alexa but can be changed to Amazon, Echo or
Computer. Try saying “Alexa”, followed by “hello”.
Ifeverything’s working as expected then your
Amazon Echo should say “hello” back.
Here are some useful things to try with your
Amazon Echo.
Radio and music
Your Echo device will play many radio stations
without having to be tuned in or set up. Simply
say, “Alexa play [name the station]” and if it is a
compatible radio station it will start to play. Lots
of the big commercial stations as well as many
small local ones are set up. Your favourite FM or
digital radio station should be there.
One of the Amazon Echo’s most popular benefits
is playing music. By default, Alexa will play from
Amazon Music (Free Tier).
Amazon Music is available free, but has a limited
music library. To find an artist simply say, “Alexa
play music by Elvis,” or for a specific track say,
“Alexa, play Jailhouse Rock byElvis.”
For a wider selection of music, you can link your
device to a paid for service like Amazon Music
Unlimited or Spotify.
Alarms, timers and lists
You can use your device to set alarms and timers
by saying, “Alexa, set an alarm for [time]”, “Set an
alarm for [time] every [day of the week]” or “Set a
five-minute timer.”
You can set up reminders. Say, “Alexa, set a
reminder”. Alexa will ask what you want reminded
of (e.g. going to the hairdresser), and when you
want notified (e.g. 10.30am tomorrow).
You can create and update lists by saying, “Alexa,
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
Your Echo device can be very helpful inthe kitchen.
As well as setting timers and alarms, Alexa can
provide recipes, step by step cookinginstructions
and weights and measurement conversion.
You can look at what ingredients you have in
your fridge and just say, “Alexa, give me a recipe
for chicken and baked beans” and the device will
give you three options and ask you to choose or
hear more. You can say “Alexa, what should Ihave
for lunch?” or, “Alexa, give me a recipe for chilli
concarne.”
You can then have the cooking instructions read
aloud to you or sent to your phone to read later.
Alexa can also convert measurements from a
recipe if you aren’t sure. Just ask, “Alexa, how many
tablespoons are in a half cup?” or more complex
conversion questions, like “Alexa, how much does
one cup of flour weigh?” or, “What is 120 grams in
ounces?”. Alexa can also tell you nutrition facts and
cooking times.
Communications
You can make free calls to people you know who
also have an Amazon Echo device. Calls are made
using your internet connection. You don’t have to
add contacts manually.
To set up communications using the Amazon Echo:
1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or
tablet
2. Tap “Communicate” (the second icon along
thebottom)
3. Verify your mobile phone information
4. Grant permissions for calling and messaging.
Optional: Import your mobile phone’s contact list
when prompted.
You should now be able to ask Alexa to make calls
or send messages through your Echo. Just say,
“Alexa, call [Name]”. The recipient’s Echo will tell
them who is calling and they can choose to accept
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
All Echo devices have built-in Bluetooth. This makes
it a Bluetooth speaker, so you can play music or any
other audio from your phone. You can also use the
Bluetooth connection to pair a Bluetooth speaker
or Bluetooth headphones with your Echo.
The easiest way to pair a phone with your Echo
is to say, “Alexa, pair”. The device will then look
for Bluetooth devices that are discoverable. So
make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone’s
settings and that it is also set to be discoverable
byotherdevices.
Alternatively, go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings
and look through the list of available devices for
your Echo (after saying, “Alexa, pair”). When the
Echo shows up in the list of discovered devices, tap
it and then tap “Pair” when prompted.
You should hear a chime and then Alexa will say,
“Now connected to [your device name]”.
To stop streaming over Bluetooth say, “Alexa,
disconnect Bluetooth.” Or just turn off Bluetooth
onyour device.
Smart Home
The Amazon Echo is compatible with a range of
smart home devices including smart lights, locks,
speakers, TVs, and more. When you set these up you
can control them all using Alexa.
These devices are purchased separately and are add-
ons that can increase the number of things you do
with your device and even make your home safer
and more comfortable.
Smart lights are amongst the best value smart
home devices. Smart lights are special bulbs that
you connect to your Echo device and once they
are set up you can simply say, “Alexa, turn on the
[name of the smart light],” and it will come on or
go off. You can use the Alexa app to switch your
lights on when you are away from home and even
set up special routines that will switch your smart
lights on and off at certain times.
Smart home devices include heating controls,
televisions, home security systems, sound systems
and door locks. Many are easy to set up, but some
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
You can ask Alexa to make a sound before and after
the wake word, so you always know that Alexa has
heard you speak.
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 Amazon
Echo device
5. Scroll down to where it says “Sounds”
6. Scroll to “Request Sounds” and tap “Start of
Request” and “End of Request”
7. Here you can also change the default volume
and the alarm sounds.
Sight loss advice
RNIB and Amazon have worked closely together to
make information and advice about living with sight
loss accessible using your Echo device.
You can now instantly hear RNIB-verified
information using voice commands such as, “Alexa,
what assistive technology do blind people use?”,
“Alexa, how do I register as sight impaired or
severely sight impaired?” or “Alexa, what should
Ido if Ithink I’m losing my sight?”
Alexa Skills
Alexa skills are how you enable your device to help
you perform more voice-activated actions. Skills add
new functions to your experience with Alexa. They
are available in a variety of categories, such as:
• Education & Reference
• Games & Trivia
• Health & Fitness
• Kids
• Productivity
• Shopping
• Smart Home
• Sports
You can discover skills by voice or in the Alexa app.
By voice, try saying, “Alexa, discover skills.” The
device will then list the three most popular skills,
tell you a little about them and ask you if you want
to enable them. You can say Yes or No or ask to
hear more.

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In the app, tap the “More” icon in the bottom right.
Select “Skills and Games”.
“Discover” lists popular skills. “Categories” breaks
skills down by use or subject area. You can select
the magnifying glass icon to search for a skill. If you
know the name of the skill just type it here, or if
you want to view options, scroll through the results.
When you select a skill, more information will
appear. Tap “Enable” to install the selected skill,
then simply ask Alexa to open the skill when you
want to use it.
Echo Show
There are three different sizes of Echo Show
devicesavailable with varying screens, speakers
andcameras.
Features:
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)
Screen: 5.5” with 960 x 480 resolution
Speakers: 1 x 1.7”
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
EchoShow
Orientation: On the top of the Echo Show from left
to right are:
Microphone/Camera button: Tap this to turn off
the microphone and camera (privacy mode). A long
press of this button brings up a “Power Off” option.
Volume down and volume up.
A sliding camera cover: The camera cover enables
you to cover the camera if you do not want the
camera on.
Between the three buttons are small holes.
Theseare the microphones.
At the bottom, on the protruding back, are:
• Power socket
• Micro USB socket
Set up
1. Plug your Echo Show into the mains and wait
until you hear a musical tone.
2. Turn on VoiceView by pressing and holding the
Mic/Camera button.
3. When you hear an alert, place two fingers
slightly apart on the screen for five seconds. You
will hear VoiceView is turned on.
Note: Don’t worry – when you press the Mic/
Camera button a “Power Off” message is displayed.
When VoiceView is enabled this disappears
4. The VoiceView tutorial will start. You can do it
now or later by listening to the instructions.
5. Now select a language.
6. Select your wi-fi from a list and then add your
wi-fi password.
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.
11. Confirm your address for any orders you make
on the device. You can skip this for now if you
prefer, and return to it later.
12. Select which room the device is in, or skip for
now. You can choose a room to distinguish
between similar devices in your house.
13. Now name the device or keep the default name
and tap “Continue”.
14. Choose a wallpaper from a selection of image
categories.
15. The device will update itself and a welcome
screen will appear. There may then be a brief
introductory video to play.
Your Echo Show will speak the time so you know
that it is now set up and ready to use.
Settings
Either say, “Alexa, Open Settings,” or drag down with
three fingers from top of screen if using VoiceView.
The menu items from left to right are “Home”,
“Display brightness”, “Do not disturb” and “Settings”.
Home: Returns you to the home screen
Display brightness: An adjustable slider with
dimmest on the left and brightest on the right.
With VoiceView on, swipe up or down to adjust.
Do not disturb: Blocks notifications, except timers
and alarms, and can be scheduled for particular
times e.g. overnight.
Settings: In “Settings” you can customise many
features of your Echo Show and add helpful
functions.
Accessibility features
Go to “Settings” and tap “Accessibility”.
VoiceView
VoiceView describes what you touch and interact
with on the screen (for example, an item in a list).
• In “Accessibility”, tap “VoiceView Screen Reader”.
• Or say: “Alexa, turn [on/off] VoiceView.”
In the VoiceView settings you can adjust the reading
speed and volume and the feedback tone volume.

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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
The Echo Show has Alexa built in and you can
useall the features that are listed on pages 7-14.
Here are some other useful ways to use your
EchoShow:
Bluetooth
You can use Bluetooth to connect, or pair, another
device to your Echo Show. By pairing a speaker or
a set of headphones, you can listen to audio from
the Echo Show device where you are, or if you pair
your phone to the Echo Show, you can play any
audio that is on your phone through the Show
speaker. Any music or audiobook you play on your
phone can then be played through the Echo Show
speakers.
To pair a phone:
1. Go to “Settings” on both the phone and the Echo
Show.
2. Go to “Bluetooth”.
Note: On the phone make sure Bluetooth is
switched on.
3. You should see the name of your phone appear
on the Echo Show screen.
4. Double tap on it.
5. A message will appear on your phone asking you
to confirm that you want to pair.
6. Double tap to confirm and the two devices
shouldconnect.
Now when you play audio on your phone the sound
will come through your Echo Show. To disconnect
your phone, just say, “Alexa, disconnect from my
phone.” Next time you want to connect your phone,
just ask Alexa to connect.
Display contacts
See Communications on page 9 for information
about how to give your Echo Show access to your
phone contacts. Once you have done this, recent
contacts are displayed in a list on your Echo Show
screen. There’s a link at the bottom that you can
tap to call that person.
Display lyrics
When playing a song via a compatible music service
there is a “Lyrics” link. When activated, your Echo
Show now displays the words of the song against a
picture background.

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Note: You can’t get VoiceView to read the lyrics if
you wanted to find out what a particular word is,
for example.
Make video calls and call other Echo devices
You can use Skype to video call someone over the
internet using your Echo Show and you can video
call someone who also has an Echo Show of their
own or through the Alexa app on their smartphone
or tablet. Make a video Skype call by saying, “Alexa,
Skype [name].”
Show and connect to video doorbell output
If your Echo Show is connected to a video doorbell
or camera system the screen will show what is
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.
Display photos
You can display an album from your Amazon
photos. Open “Settings” and find “Wallpaper
andclock”. Thenselect “Amazon photos” or
“Facebook Photos”. Choose thealbum youwant
displayed on the Echo Showscreen.
Weather
When you ask what the weather forecast is, Alexa
announces the current temperature and what you
can expect in general, for example the max and
min temperatures and cloudy or rainy weather.
On the Echo Show a screen is then displayed with
the hourly forecast which can be read out using
VoiceView if you drag your finger over the display.

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