Amazon’s Echo devices are some of the most popular smart home controllers in the market, and the fourth generation echo dot is no exception! With this, not only can you listen to your favorite music and talk to your voice assistant, but you can do much more than that. But unfortunately, most of the users only know the basics and can’t get the most out of it. That’s why in this article, we will discuss some of the Best Amazon Echo Dot Tips and Tricks to increase your user benefits.

Changing Default Name and Wake Word

First of all, when you set it up for the first time, by default, Amazon names it for you. But you can give it a brand new name to make it your own. To do so, simply go to the Device Settings, tap on Edit Name and then change it to your liking. Plus, you can also change the Wake word for the device. So for that, head to the Device Settings again, and then Wake Word to pick a new word from Amazon, Echo, Alexa, or Computer.

Speak Different Languages 

Now that you have set up your device and made it your own, it’s time to talk with it, right? But what if you don’t want to speak only in English but instead use French, Spanish, Italian, German, or other languages? Don’t fret about it, as Echo Dot also supports a multilingual mode where you can have it ready to listen and respond in two different languages. To enable it, go to the Language Settings and choose another preferred language with the default English.

Enable Follow Up Mode

Next up is enabling Follow Up mode to make your conversation with the Echo Dot more natural. For example, you can enable this when you want to ask something further after a response, without using the Wake Word. By doing so, it will feel more like a normal conversation. Go to the Device Settings, scroll down to Follow Up Mode, and then switch the toggle on to enable it.

Drop-In or Make an Announcement 

Moreover, If you have more Echo Dots in your house, you’ll be able to talk and listen to what’s going on in the other rooms by using the Drop in option. But, if you simply want to make an announcement, there is another option called Announce right by the Drop in. This can be an ideal way to announce that dinner is ready, bedtime has come, or a variety of other family events. All of these options can be found easily by going to the Communicate icon on the bottom of the Alexa home screen.

Voice Control Your TV 

If you don’t have a Fire TV Cube with built-in Alexa, don’t worry because you can connect your Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick to the Echo Dot. After doing so, you’ll be able to ask Alexa to turn on or off the TV and search for your favorite movies by genre or even actor. For instance, tell Alexa to show you movies with Leonardo De Caprio, and his entire collection will show up. Pretty awesome, right?

Use It as a Bluetooth Speaker

Not only that, but you can also use your echo dot as a Bluetooth Speaker to listen to your favorite music and tv shows by connecting it to your phone. Just simply say Alexa Pair or Alexa Bluetooth and then go to your device’s Bluetooth Menu and try to find Echo Dot from the list. After that, select it to pair, and you will be good to go. Now, whenever you wanna connect it to your phone again, just say, “Alexa connect it to my phone”, and an echo will connect to your phone, supposing your phone’s Bluetooth is on.

Use Other Music Platforms as Default

Next on our list is to use Spotify, Apple Music, or other platforms as the default music providers. By default, Echo uses Amazon’s own music service, but it’s easy enough to change that to the service you are already using. First, link your account, and then in the Music & Podcasts setting, choose Default Services and make sure your preferred service is selected. 

Learn About Great Amazon Deals

Did you know that your Echo can learn about great amazon deals by Echo Dot? All you need to do is ask for it, and your device will read off several Amazon Prime’s exclusive deals. Then you can use it to select the deals, purchase the items, and track the delivery of the product. Plus, when your shipment arrives, it can give you a notification by lighting up the LED Indicator. You can also clear all the notifications, just ask for it, and it will do that for you.

Control Your Smart Home Accessories

Another great thing about the Amazon Echo Dot is that you can control all of your Alexa-enabled smart home accessories with it. For example, If you’ve got Philips Hue or Ring Smart Lights, you can activate lighting and adjust settings with voice commands. Besides, if you have a Smart Doorbell that works with Alexa, you can easily respond to the visitor without having to open it first.

Enjoy Alexa Jokes, Games, and Easter Eggs 

Last but not least, you can always have a little fun with Echo Dot. The virtual assistant Alexa has games, jokes, and lots of Easter eggs like “Alexa, open the pod bay doors” or “Alexa, what’s the first rule of Fight Club?” or “Alexa, I’ll be back” and so on to fill up your boots with the Echo Dot.

Final Thoughts

So, these are the best useful tips and tricks that will expand the usability of your Amazon Echo Dot! These abilities allow you to use the Echo Dot for multi-tasking purposes rather than just a lazy-obsolete speaker. We hope you have got something new to learn from this article and will be applying those to your Amazon Echo Dot.