When you turn on your Echo speaker, Fire TV, or other Alexa device and say “Alexa,” the device will react without you having to push any buttons or tap the screen. The Alexa smartphone app is the only one that requires users to press the “Alexa” button to activate the digital assistant. For now, at least: Amazon has added a hands-free option to the Alexa iOS and Android apps, but you’ll have to turn it on manually to utilize it.
Amazon made it possible to use the Alexa app hands-free for the first time. It’s not perfect, but it’s a big step in the right direction toward making Alexa more accessible on mobile devices. Additionally, it’s fantastic to access Echo devices from a far range by simply speaking to them.
Use Alexa App Hands-Free
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Before activating the function, it’s important to note that it may not be available yet. As of July 2020, the feature is only available on a limited number of devices. Updates are available in the app store. Also, if you already have Alexa hands-free enabled on your device, you don’t need to do anything to make this feature work. Launching the app and speaking to Alexa can see if it works. It is not activated by default if there is no answer.
1. Launch the Alexa app on your phone to activate the function.
2. At the bottom center of the screen, you’ll see an Alexa icon.
3. A dialogue titled “Use Alexa hands-free” will appear, asking you to enable the new option. Tap “Turn On,” and you’re good to go.
4. If you haven’t already granted Alexa access to your microphone and location, you’ll be prompted to do so. It’s straightforward to revoke these permissions at any time.
Using Alexa will no longer necessitate tapping on the Alexa icon. It’s as simple as saying, “Hey Alexa” or “Alexa.” It’s possible to communicate without touching anything as long as the app is active and your screen is unlocked
Benefits of Going Hands-Free
Using the Alexa app hands-free while doing anything else, like cooking, is convenient. It’s also suitable if you have a lot on your plate but still want to peek in on things at home now and again. You can drop in remotely using the app on your Echo devices at home. This feature will come in handy if your primary Alexa device is a smartphone or tablet. This is a good option if you have an old phone or tablet that you no longer use. For as long as you have the most recent Alexa app installed, you can use the device to ask questions, play games, etc., in any area. There are advantages to using a hands-free device, despite the limitations. Although most people will only utilize the function a few times, it will allow them to employ more voice control and less screen-tapping.
Some disadvantages
Don’t get too enthused; the feature isn’t quite finished. This functionality isn’t very valuable to people who automatically lock their phones when the screen goes dark. It is necessary to unlock the screen to utilize the Alexa app hands-free. Manually locking your device, on the other hand, is a simple process that anyone can perform. The Display option may be found in the Settings menu on Android smartphones. Select “Keep screen on” from the “Screen timeout” menu. “Display & Brightness” may be found in Settings on iPhones. Select Never from the “Auto-Lock” menu. Keep in mind that it won’t shut off if you don’t manually lock your phone. If you’re not using your phone, you should always close the screen so no one can see what’s on it. You’ll also have to keep the Alexa app running. There is a good chance that you won’t be using the app constantly. If your phone is unlocked and you’ve set up a default voice assistant, you can use it to start the Alexa app. If Alexa is your default, you won’t need to open the Alexa app. Using Google Assistant or Siri to open the app is also an option.
Hands-free Alexa Use: More Facts
As a result, Amazon is making it easier for mobile customers to use its Alexa virtual assistant. With today’s announcement, consumers can operate their smart home devices, write lists with Alexa, and more “hands-free” using the company’s Alexa app on iOS and Android. This means they won’t have to touch their phones at all. To begin using Alexa’s hands-free capabilities, customers should first ask their phone’s digital assistant, such as Siri or Google Assistant, to load the Alexa app. So, for example, they may say things like, “Alexa, raise the temperature to 72 degrees,” “Alexa, remind me to contact Jen at noon tomorrow,” “Alexa, what’s the weather?” etc. Using the Alexa app, customers can even request to stream music directly. Users have to press the blue Alexa button at the bottom of their screens for Alexa to respond. An animated blue line will show at the bottom of the app’s screen when Alexa sends a request to the cloud once it detects the wake word. For example, Amazon Music and its flagship retail app have already integrated the Alexa experience. Alexa controls playing and asks for music can be done without having to tap on the screen in the latter case, which was introduced in 2018.
In contrast to the Echo speakers and screens, Amazon’s app for Alexa has been a tap-to-talk experience until now, which doesn’t fully mesh with how Alexa works on most other devices like that. Customers will be able to use the hands-free detection feature after the app has been updated and has been presented with the opportunity to do so. Users can switch off the part at any moment via a new setting. It’s important to remember that this feature only works with the Alexa app open and the phone unlocked. If the phone is locked or the app is closed and off the screen, operating in the background, Alexa will not be able to be launched.
Conclusion
I hope that you now have a better understanding of how to use the Alexa app hands-free. This function is becoming increasingly common these days. To begin using this function, carefully follow the directions provided above.