Alexa is constantly making our lives easier. She can look up recipes, make phone calls, and even take notes. Given everything else Alexa can do, it’s no surprise that she can also send a text message for us. Many people are interested and want to know how to set it up.
How to make an Alexa routine to send text messages:
- On your Alexa app, choose the “communication” icon.
- Allow Alexa to have access to your contacts.
- Verify your phone number.
- Make sure you use the correct voice command.
Let’s take a look at these steps for getting your Alexa set up with texting a little closer.
1. On Your Alexa App, Choose the “Communication” Icon
Start in your Alexa app to get this routine set up. First, make sure that your app is up to date. The app will not work as well as it should without being updated. So, first, make sure that it is the latest version. Make sure you are also connected to Wifi.
Once you are updated and ready to go, open the Alexa app. This will bring you to the hub that lets you control your device. You can create routines in the app. But first, we have to give your Alexa permission to access your contacts.
Go to the “communication” icon in the app. This will be a little blue speech bubble toward the bottom of the screen. This button will allow you access to make changes to your phone settings. From here, you can also make phone calls within the app.
2. Allow Alexa to Have Access to Your Contacts
When you go into the “communication” tab for the first time, you will be asked to give Alexa access to your phone. This is to make sure Alexa can contact the people in your phonebook. So, it is important to give the device permission so that it can send messages for you.
Giving Alexa access to your contacts can be concerning. Sometimes we accidentally wake up our devices without meaning to. Alexa having access to our contacts could mean that someone gets an unexpected phone call or text message.
Though this is a rare occurrence, it has happened. So, you need to be aware of what your Alexa is picking up on when you have your contacts connected. However, the risk of sending a message without your knowledge is low, given that Alexa does ask for confirmation before sending anything.
Once you have agreed to give Alexa access to your contacts, you have one more step before you can start sending text messages.
3. Verify Your Phone Number
Finally, you need to verify your phone number. To do this, enter your phone number on the app. From there, you will be asked to verify your number via text message. The Alexa app will then send an SMS to your phone.
Follow the instructions in this message to verify your phone number. Sometimes it is done with a code that is entered, but it can also be done with a link that you follow in the text.
Once that is completed, your phone and contacts are connected and ready to use with Alexa.
4. Make Sure You Use the Correct Voice Command
Once you go through these steps, your Alexa can send text messages and read them out loud upon request, but Alexa has many different capabilities for contacting other people. So, it is important to watch your wording when asking the device to complete a task.
Phrase Your Messages Correctly
Sending a text message through your Alexa device must be phrased correctly to work. Telling your Alexa device to “send a message” will prompt the device to send your message through the Alexa app. The app has its own messaging system, and it can be used to send messages to other people with the same device.
When you would prefer to send a text message through your phone, you must specify that you want to “send a text message.” This does not send a message through the Alexa app messaging system. Rather it sends a text message through your phone.
Once you let Alexa know that you want to send a text message, she will ask you to whom you would like to send it. Make sure you give the person’s name as it appears on your phone, or Alexa may send the message to the wrong person.
Next, she will ask what you would like the message to say. Give the message exactly as you would like it to appear, and once you have finished dictating the message, just go silent. This will trigger Alexa to ask if she should send the message. Reply “yes.” When you’re done, the message will be sent.
Sending messages through the app rather than SMS is a great way to contact someone if you know they are home and near their device. Otherwise, it may be more difficult for them to respond in the app than it would a text.
There Is More Than One Way To Call Someone
This works the same way for a phone call. You can call people within the Alexa app or your phone contacts. Again, you must specify who you want to call and what device you would like to call them on.
You can call someone’s Alexa device directly or their number listed on your phone. If you just tell Alexa to call someone, then it will ask you to specify if you’d like to call their Alexa, home, cellphone, or any other number they have listed in your contacts.
Calling with another Alexa and sending messages through the app work using your Wifi. So, it will not work if your internet is not working or interrupted.
Make sure you use the correct commands for your Alexa device to get the most out of it. Most of the time, the device will ask you to specify if you say something incomplete. But it is important to differentiate the type of message you’d like to send or call you’d like to make.
Final Thoughts
Setting up an Alexa routine to send text messages can be confusing, but these steps will help you get it done quickly. Following these steps will give Alexa access to your contacts. So, it is important to call the person you want to contact by the name you have them saved as in your phone.
Follow our guide for setting up access and pay attention to the rules for using the right commands for the best experience. Get the most out of your Alexa device by setting up text messaging.
