Harness the power of Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa, with our ultimate guide to the 20 best things to ask Alexa. This digital companion can simplify your daily routines, amuse you with a joke, or even help control your smart home devices. Whether you’re a seasoned Alexa user or a newcomer looking to maximize your experience, this guide will provide new ways to engage with Alexa.
Exploring Alexa’s Daily Functions
Alexa is a versatile tool with an impressive range of capabilities. Let’s explore some key functions you may find helpful for your daily routines.
- Set a Timer: Say, “Alexa, set a timer for 20 minutes.” Perfect for cooking, studying, or exercise routines.
- Play Music: Request your favorite tunes with, “Alexa, play my chill-out playlist.”
- News Update: Keep up with global happenings by asking, “Alexa, what’s the news today?”
- Check Weather: Prepare for the day ahead with, “Alexa, what’s the weather like today?”
- Communication: Connect with family or friends by saying, “Alexa, call Mom.”
Check out this guide for a deeper dive into Alexa’s full potential.

Taking Control of Your Smart Home
Alexa can control many devices as a centralized hub for your smart home. Here are a few commands to get you started.
- Lights On/Off: Control your smart lights with “Alexa, turn off the living room lights.” Learn more about this functionality here.
- Adjust Thermostat: Regulate your home’s temperature by saying, “Alexa, set the thermostat to 72 degrees.” Learn more about smart thermostats.
- Security Cameras: Check your home’s security with “Alexa, show me the front door camera.”
- Smart Plugs: Control various appliances via smart plugs, “Alexa, turn on the coffee maker.”
- Smart TV: Enjoy hands-free TV control with “Alexa, turn on Netflix.” This works really well with Fire TVs.
Fun and Entertainment with Alexa
Alexa can bring fun and laughter to your day with her repertoire of jokes, games, and entertaining features.
- Tell a Joke: Brighten your day by asking, “Alexa, tell me a joke.”
- Play a Game: Challenge yourself with “Alexa, let’s play Jeopardy.”
- Story Time: Unwind with “Alexa, tell me a bedtime story.”
- Surprises: Discover Alexa’s whimsical side with weird commands.
- Kids’ Entertainment: Keep your children engaged with fun commands and educational games found here.
Customizing Alexa’s Experience
Fine-tuning Alexa’s functionality according to your preferences can add an extra layer of convenience and personalization. Check out these customization commands for an even more tailored Alexa experience.
- Change Alexa’s Wake Word: If you’d prefer a different command to wake Alexa, say, “Alexa, change the wake word.” You can do this from the Alexa App too.
- Set up Routines: Create a sequence of actions with a single command, such as “Alexa, good morning.” To set this up, say, “Alexa, create a new routine.” Learn more about routines.
- Remember Important Details: Ask Alexa to remember important information, like “Alexa, remember that my favorite color is blue.”
- Create Shopping Lists: Make grocery shopping effortless by saying, “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.”
- Traffic Updates: Plan your commute better with “Alexa, what’s my commute look like?”

Frequently Asked Questions
What are some cool Alexa commands?
Apart from the ones mentioned above, Alexa has a multitude of cool commands, from trivia challenges like “Alexa, play Song Quiz” to practical ones like “Alexa, find my phone.”
How do you make Alexa laugh?
Prompt a digital chuckle from Alexa by asking, “Alexa, can you laugh?” Prepare yourself for her unique robotic giggle.
How do I make Alexa talk a lot?
Engage Alexa in lengthy conversations by asking open-ended questions or engaging in interactive stories. Try saying, “Alexa, let’s chat,” or “Alexa, open the magic door.”
Summary
Exploring the 20 best things to ask Alexa can significantly enhance your digital assistant experience. Alexa is a versatile and helpful companion, from daily functions and smart home controls to fun-filled entertainment options and customization commands. So, go on and try these commands. You never know, Alexa might surprise you with her extensive capabilities.
Get more tips and tricks in the Alexa Archives. Explore, learn, and make the most of your smart home with Alexa.