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3 min read 4 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026

How to Set Up an Amazon Echo Show (Screen + Alexa)

The Amazon Echo Show has a built-in screen for video calls, recipes, news, and more — here's how to set it up and use its key features.

At a Glance

Plug in the Echo Show and connect to WiFi

~26s

Plug the Echo Show into a wall outlet. It will turn on automatically and display a setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions — select your language, connect to your WiFi network (type in your password using the touchscreen keyboard), and sign in to your Amazon account. Alternatively, use the Alexa app on your phone to complete setup: open the Alexa appDevices → plus (+) → Add DeviceAmazon EchoEcho Show.

Make a video call with Drop-In

~36s

Echo Shows can make video calls to other Echo Show owners (or through the Alexa app on a phone). Say "Hey Alexa, call [name]" and if that person has an Alexa device or the Alexa app, a video call will start. The screen shows the other person's face. You can also set up "Drop-In" with trusted family members. They can check in on you from their phone or their own Echo Show (with your permission).

Quick Tip

Drop-In requires permission to be set up in advance. In the Alexa app, go to the Communicate tabContacts → find a family member and enable "Allow Drop-In." They'll need to do the same on their end.

Ask Alexa to show you recipes, weather, and news

~25s

The Echo Show's screen makes many Alexa responses much richer. "Hey Alexa, show me a recipe for chicken soup" — Alexa displays step-by-step instructions on the screen with photos. "Hey Alexa, what's the weather this week?" — shows a 7-day forecast. "Hey Alexa, show me the news" — plays video news headlines. "Hey Alexa, show me my Ring camera" — displays your Ring doorbell live feed (if you have Ring set up).

Use the touchscreen for quick controls

~26s

The Echo Show screen is also a touchscreen. Swipe down from the top to access a quick settings panel — brightness, WiFi, Do Not Disturb, and volume. Swipe up from the bottom to see your notifications and reminders. Tap the home icon at the top left (or say "Hey Alexa, go home") to return to the home screen. You can set a favorite photo as the screen background by going to SettingsDisplayHome Background.

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The Amazon Echo Show is like a regular Echo speaker but with a built-in screen. The screen lets you watch YouTube videos, see recipes step-by-step, make video calls to family (also called Drop-In), view your Ring doorbell camera, and see weather forecasts and news headlines visually. Setup is similar to a regular Echo but with a few extra features to configure.

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Official Resources

Amazon Alexa Help Google Nest Help How-To Geek — Smart Home

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