Set Up a Smart Speaker: Alexa or Google Home

Get the most from your Amazon Echo or Google Home — setup, voice commands, routines, and smart home control.

2 min read · 5 steps · Checked March 2026

1. Step 1. Initial setup

   Plug in your smart speaker and download the companion app: "Amazon Alexa" app for Echo devices, or "Google Home" app for Google/Nest speakers. Open the app, sign in with your Amazon or Google account, and follow the on-screen steps to connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network. The app will walk you through each step.

2. Step 2. Essential voice commands

   For Amazon Echo, start with "Alexa..." For Google Home, start with "Hey Google..." or "OK Google..." Try these: "Set a timer for 10 minutes." "What's the weather today?" "Play jazz music." "What time is it?" "Tell me a joke." "Add milk to my shopping list." "Call [contact name]." "Remind me to take my medicine at 8 PM."

   Quick Tip

   You don't need to shout — speak at a normal volume. The microphone is designed to hear you from across the room.

3. Step 3. Play music and podcasts

   Say "Alexa, play Frank Sinatra" or "Hey Google, play classical music." You can connect free services like Spotify (free tier), Amazon Music, or YouTube Music. To set a default music service: open the app → SettingsMusicDefault Service. You can also listen to podcasts: "Alexa, play the TED Talks Daily podcast."

4. Step 4. Set up routines

   Routines let you trigger multiple actions with one command. Example: saying "Good morning" can turn on your lights, tell you the weather, read your calendar, and play news. In the Alexa app: MoreRoutines → + (create). In Google Home: Automations → + (add). Name it, set the trigger (voice command or time), and add actions.

5. Step 5. Control smart home devices

   Smart speakers are the hub for controlling smart lights, thermostats, and plugs. After connecting a smart device through its own app, it will appear in your Alexa or Google Home app. Then say: "Alexa, turn off the living room lights," "Hey Google, set the thermostat to 72 degrees," or "Alexa, lock the front door."

   Quick Tip

   Start with one smart bulb or plug to get comfortable. You can always add more devices later.