Amazon · control the home by voice
Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa turns an Echo speaker into a voice remote for your whole home — lights, plugs, blinds and sensors, plus routines that run on a schedule.
Overview
Alexa is Amazon’s voice assistant, built into Echo speakers and displays. Newer Echo (4th gen) and Echo Show devices include a Zigbee and Matter/Thread hub, so many DIY devices pair directly to the speaker with no extra bridge. Wi-Fi devices connect through their brand skill or Matter. Routines chain actions to a phrase, time or sensor.
How to connect a DIY device
Set up an Echo
Plug in an Echo speaker and finish setup in the Alexa app.
Add a device
Alexa app → Devices → +. Use “Matter” for a QR code, or enable the brand skill for Wi-Fi gear.
Group by room
Group devices so “Alexa, turn off the bedroom” works.
Build routines
Trigger scenes by voice, time or a motion sensor — e.g. lights on at sunset.
Works with
Amazon Alexa speaks these protocols out of the box:
FAQ
Which Echo has a hub?
Echo (4th gen) has Zigbee; Echo (4th gen) and Echo Show 10 add Matter/Thread. Any Echo can control Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices.
Do I need a subscription?
No. Voice control and routines are free.
Can it work without internet?
Basic voice and some local routines work offline on newer Echo devices; most features need Wi-Fi.
Build your Amazon Alexa smart home
Pick DIY devices that work with Amazon Alexa — install them yourself in an evening.
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