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Add smart home devices to Alexa

Want to control your smart home devices with your voice? You can do that by linking Alexa compatible smart home devices to Amazon Alexa. Think of smart lights, smart plugs, thermostats, cameras, or smart blinds. In this guide, we explain how to add devices to Alexa using the Alexa app and how to connect Matter devices.

What to check before you add a device to Alexa

Before you start, it helps to check the following:

  1. Make sure your device works with Alexa. Devices with a Works with Alexa badge are certified to work with Alexa.

  2. Check whether the device has already been added automatically. Some devices are added through Amazon’s frustration free setup. Open the Alexa app, go to Devices, and see if your device is already listed. If it is, it is ready to use.

  3. Read the safety information before enabling a skill. Before you enable a smart home skill, make sure you read the safety information.

  4. Check your WiFi band. Most WiFi smart home devices only work on the 2.4 GHz WiFi band.

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Add a device in the Alexa app

To add a new device to Alexa, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Alexa app.

  2. Go to Devices.

  3. Tap the plus icon (+).

  4. Select Add Device.

  5. Choose the type of smart home device you want to connect.

  6. Select the brand and follow the instructions in the app.

add-device-alexa-app

Add a Matter device to Alexa

You can add Matter devices using the Alexa app. If your Matter device uses Thread, you will need a Thread border router (for example, a compatible Echo).

Important: make sure IPv6 is enabled in your router settings. Also make sure your Echo (or other Matter controller) and your Matter device are within 9 metres of each other during setup, so the connection stays stable.

How to add a Matter device to Alexa:

  1. Open the Alexa app.

  2. Go to Devices.

  3. Tap the plus icon (+).

  4. Select Add Device.

  5. Choose Other (at the bottom of the list).

  6. Select Matter.

  7. Tap Yes to confirm that you have a Matter device.

  8. Scan the QR code or enter the numeric code manually and follow the instructions in the app.

If you scan the QR code, the app will need camera permissions. If scanning does not work, enter the code manually. You will usually find the code in the quick start guide or on the device itself.

matter-qr-code-smartblinds

Add the following Smartblinds to Alexa

Frequently asked questions about Alexa

How many Alexa devices can you have on one account?

There is no limit. You can add multiple devices to one Amazon account and manage them all in the Alexa app.

How do I add a device to a group in Alexa?

Groups let you control multiple smart home devices together. For example, you can add all devices in one room to a group, so you can control them at the same time.

To create a group:

  1. Open the Alexa app
  2. Go to Devices
  3. Tap Plus (+) and select Add Group
  4. Select Create a room or device group or Combine rooms or groups
  5. Choose a group name and tap Next
  6. Select the devices (or groups) you want to include and tap Save

How do I remove a smart home device from Alexa?

Use the Alexa app to remove smart home devices:

  1. Open the Alexa app
  2. Go to Devices
  3. Select your device and open Settings
  4. Tap the bin icon to delete the device
  5. Open the manufacturer’s app and remove the device there as well

After removing a device, you may need to reset it to factory settings before you can connect it again. You can also remove a device by resetting it directly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Where can I find my devices in the Alexa app?

Open the Alexa app and go to Devices. You will see an overview of all connected devices, and you can manage them by type, room, or group.

Why will my WiFi smart home device not connect on 5 GHz?

Many WiFi smart home devices only support the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. Make sure your phone and your device are connected to 2.4 GHz during setup.

How do I change a device name in the Alexa app?

You can rename a device in the Alexa app:

  1. Open the Alexa app
  2. Go to Devices and select the device you want to rename
  3. Tap Settings
  4. Edit the device name (and room, if needed), then save your changes

How do I add a Matter device to Alexa if it is already connected to another smart home system?

If your Matter device is already linked to another smart home system or voice assistant, you can often connect it to Alexa as well.

Tip: you will usually need an 11 digit setup code from the app where you originally set up the device. You can find this in the device settings.

To connect using a numeric code:

  1. Open the Alexa app
  2. Go to Devices
  3. Tap the plus icon (+)
  4. Select Add Device
  5. Choose Other (at the bottom of the list)
  6. Select Matter
  7. Tap Yes to confirm that you have a Matter device
  8. Select Try numeric code instead
  9. Enter the 11 digit setup code and follow the instructions

Note: the Matter QR code or setup code printed on the device or packaging can usually only be used the first time you set up the device. If the device is already connected to another system, you may need to generate a new code before adding it to Alexa.

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