Alexa APP for iOS/iPhone & iPad

In addition to using your Echo devices to issue commands, did you know you can now chat to Alexa on your iPhone? Think of it as Alexa on the go, with none of the excellent features. While Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, is fine, you can use the iOS Alexa app widget on your iPhone or iPad’s home screen to speak with Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa. Once you’ve set it up, all it takes is a single tap to call up the personal assistant of your choice.

Almost every smart home gadget on the planet is compatible with Alexa, but Siri and HomeKit have a smaller selection of compatible devices. On the other hand, Siri can grow flustered and fail to react to even the most basic of queries (at least, it does on my iPhone). If you’ve already given up on Siri, I’m afraid I’m not the only one. However, Alexa is almost always accessible, accurate, and friendly. In addition, Amazon’s voice assistant has a different name and voice options. If you enjoy having Alexa set timers and reminders, turn on lights, and answer questions while at home, wait till you start chatting to Alexa on your iPhone when you’re out and about.

Details about the Alexa App for iOS/iPhone

Amazon is updating its Alexa app for iOS devices with additional features that make it more user-friendly. The light mode has been added to Amazon Alexa v2.2.401007.0, the latest version of the app. With the addition of Apple’s Dynamic Type feature, customers may now customize the size of text shown on their mobile devices. It aids those who require larger text sizes to read more comfortably. A larger amount of information can be displayed on the screen for individuals who prefer to read smaller word sizes. To use the most recent Alexa app enhancements, Apple iPhone users must ensure they are running the most recent version.

The Apple App Store is where users may download the Alexa v2.2.401007.0 app. According to Amazon, the app’s pages, menus, and controls may now be viewed in both light and dark modes. According to an in-app message from Amazon, devices that do not support dark mode will only be able to use the light mode. Apple iPhone users can access the Alexa app’s light mode by adjusting the phone’s light or dark mode. iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users who want to turn on dark mode can go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark Mode. They may also access the control panel by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and then long-pressing the brightness bar to select dark from the menu that appears. If the smartphone’s light/dark mode routine is set to “dawn” or “dusk,” Alexa will adjust the display mode automatically.

Alexa for iPhone: Getting Started Guide

1. Download the Amazon Alexa app from the Apple App Store.
2. In the pop-up menu about enabling Bluetooth, tap OK to allow Alexa to set up or connect with other devices (like your iPhone or Echo speaker).
3. Sign in to your Amazon account.
4. Tap Continue to agree to Amazon’s terms and conditions.
5. Tap Yes or No to set up a device.
6. Tap to select who you are from the list of options. Confirm your first and last name, then tap Continue.
7. Tap Allow if you want to give Alexa access to your contacts (so that you can use commands like “call mom”) and allow notifications. To skip this step, tap Later.
8. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up Alexa, including teaching Alexa your voice. You can skip any steps in the set-up process by tapping Skip.
9. To enable Alexa, say “Alexa” or tap the blue Alexa icon at the top of the screen, then speak your request. You can also tap the keyboard icon to type out your request.

What do you need to do to get the Alexa widget on your iPhone’s home screen?

Now that I’ve explained the advantages of using Alexa on your iPhone let me walk you through the process of adding the Alexa widget to your home screen. There isn’t much work involved because you only need to make the widget and place it on your home screen.

1. On your iPhone or iPad, swipe left to right past the first page of your home screen.
2. Press and hold one of the widgets until a menu pops up. Tap Edit Home Screen.
3. Tap the + icon in the upper left corner.
4. Scroll until you see Amazon Alexa or type Alexa in the search box, then tap Amazon Alexa.
5. Tap Add Widget at the bottom of the screen (there’s only one option for size).

There you have it, the first of two parts. In the upper right corner, press Done if you’re satisfied with the Alexa widget location. Alternatively, you can drag the Alexa widget onto your home screen, put it where you’d like it to be, then tap Done while the widgets are still wriggling. It’s important to note that while widgets have been useful since their debut in iOS 14 in 2020, they can be finicky if you aren’t familiar with them. If you’re not careful, a new widget might wreak havoc with the layout of your home screen. That’s all there is to it. The Alexa widget is all you need to get started.

How to pair iPhone to Amazon devices via the Alexa app

Amazon’s Echo, Echo Dot, and other smart speakers may connect your iPhone wirelessly over Bluetooth.

1. Put your Bluetooth device (Echo, Echo Dot, etc.) into pairing mode.
2. Open the Alexa app and tap Devices.
3. Tap Echo & Alexa.
4. Select your device from the list of options. Tap Bluetooth Devices, then Pair a New Device.
5. The next time you want to connect, enable Bluetooth on your iPhone and speaker and say, “Pair Bluetooth.”

How to Text Amazon Alexa From Your iPhone

Instead of using your voice to interact with Alexa, send her text messages if you’d rather place an order, order something from her, or ask a question. This is a good option in a busy environment or when you don’t want to wake someone close. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app and tap the keyboard in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2. Type a query, tap Send, and Alexa responds in a text.
3. Or, text to ask Alexa to call someone on your Contacts list, then tap Send. Alexa places a call to your contact.
4. Or, use text to ask Alexa to add something to your to-do list, and tap Send. Alexa confirms the item was added.

Amazon Alexa is not the same as Apple’s Siri

With Alexa’s voice-activated help, you can use your smartphone hands-free. In addition to offering you directions, the app can answer queries about the weather. Many commands and queries are available through Alexa. An alternative suggestion will be offered if the voice-activated program does not recognize your words. In contrast to Siri, Alexa doesn’t respond to a specific wake word when you ask her to. Open the app, and then speak to the app to begin using it. Only the most recent version of the app on the phone is required for optimal application performance. Errors can occur if the program isn’t kept up to date. Siri is the iPhone’s default voice-activated assistant. You cannot change Siri’s default and make Alexa the default option.

All your activities with Alexa are contingent on granting the app permission to utilize your current location at all times. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of your smartphone’s battery. It is possible to utilize Alexa to activate and deactivate various home functions, including speakers, lights, and alarms. There’s a whisper mode in the app. Avoid waking up friends or members of your family by using this method. Uber rides may be booked using the Alexa app. iOS allows you to utilize Alexa on numerous devices. It is possible to connect your Alexa account to your Apple Music account and access your saved playlists using this method.

Can Alexa replace Siri?

Siri can only accomplish a limited number of tasks, such as adjusting the brightness of your iPhone’s screen and turning on do not disturb. Third-party assistants like Alexa can’t do anything that affects your iPhone or iPad settings. If you haven’t noticed whether a smart home device you purchased is HomeKit-compliant, Alexa can do more than Siri can.

My home is strewn with smart plugs, video doorbell cameras, and other gadgets that Siri cannot communicate with, but Alexa can do so. As long as Alexa isn’t replacing Siri, it doesn’t matter. Because the Alexa app is pre-installed, you don’t even have to install Alexa on your iPhone if you already have it (and you do). Alexa is just one tap away when you add an Alexa widget to your iOS home screen, but that is enough to make it worth the effort.

Conclusion

The Alexa App for iOS/iPhone should have given you a good understanding of what it can do. Start using Alexa on iOS with the guide provided above and take advantage of all of Alexa’s great capabilities.