Amazon Alexa – How to Create an Alexa Routine

Category: Alexa > Routines

Answer:

Alexa Routines allow you to automate actions across your smart home, entertainment devices, notifications, and Alexa services.

A routine can be triggered by a voice command, schedule, smart home event, device activity, or other supported conditions.

Create an Alexa Routine

On the Alexa App

1. Open the Alexa app.
2. Tap More.
3. Select Routines.
4. Tap the Plus (+) icon.
5. Select Add an Event.
6. Choose what will trigger the routine.
7. Select Add an Action.
8. Choose one or more actions for the routine.
9. Configure any additional settings.
10. Tap Save.

Common Routine Triggers

• Voice commands
• Scheduled times
• Smart home device activity
• Motion detection
• Door or window sensors
• Location-based events
• Device status changes

Common Routine Actions

• Turn lights on or off
• Adjust thermostats
• Play music
• Make announcements
• Read weather updates
• Control smart plugs
• Launch Fire TV actions
• Run multiple smart home commands

Personalized Routines

Alexa supports personalized routines based on household members.

Examples include:

• Playing a specific playlist when a particular user is recognized.
• Running custom actions when Alexa recognizes a registered Voice ID.
• Starting routines based on supported presence detection features.

Example Routine

Good Morning Routine

Trigger:
• 7:00 AM every weekday

Actions:
• Turn on bedroom lights
• Announce weather forecast
• Read calendar events
• Start morning playlist

Good to Know

• A single routine can contain multiple actions.
• Additional settings may appear depending on the trigger selected.
• Some routine features require compatible Alexa devices.
• Voice ID and presence-based routines require supported devices and setup.
• Routines can be edited, disabled, or deleted at any time through the Alexa app.

Tip

Compatible Echo Show devices can use Home Monitoring and presence detection as routine triggers when enabled.