How to Set Up and Use Your Amazon Echo Show

The Amazon Echo Show is an Alexa-powered smart speaker with a built-in screen — think of it as a smart radio crossed with a small tablet that you control by talking to it. Unlike the original Echo (which is voice only), the Echo Show displays visual information alongside Alexa's spoken responses: weather forecasts with maps, news headlines, recipe photos and instructions, your security camera feeds, and incoming video calls.

Setting up your Echo Show takes about ten minutes. Start by plugging it in with the included power adapter and turning it on. The device will display a setup screen. When prompted, connect it to your home Wi-Fi network — tap your network name in the list and enter your password.

Next, sign in with your Amazon account. If you have been shopping on Amazon, use the same account. Your Echo Show will register to your account automatically, which is what connects it to your Amazon purchases, music, audiobooks, and other content.

Once setup is complete, you will see the home screen, which rotates through weather, time, news, and other information. Swiping left shows your smart home dashboard if you have connected devices. Swiping down from the top of the screen reveals settings.

To ask Alexa something, say "Alexa" followed by your request. For example: "Alexa, what is the weather today?" The screen will display a forecast while Alexa reads it aloud. "Alexa, show me the news" plays video news clips. "Alexa, set a timer for 15 minutes" displays a countdown on the screen.

Video calling is one of the most popular features. You can call anyone who has an Echo device or the free Alexa app on their phone. Say "Alexa, call [contact name]." The other person's phone or Echo will ring, and when they answer you can see and hear each other. This works well for staying in touch with family members who live far away.

The Drop In feature allows family members to connect instantly without waiting for you to answer — it works like a video intercom. You can enable or restrict Drop In in the Alexa app settings.

To display a slideshow of your own photos on the Echo Show's screen, go to amazon.com/photos, create a free Amazon Photos account, and upload your pictures. Then ask "Alexa, show my photos" and your family photos will rotate on the screen like a digital picture frame.

For recipe help in the kitchen, say "Alexa, show me a recipe for chicken soup." The screen displays step-by-step instructions you can swipe through while you cook, hands free.