Tired of unsolicited advice and notifications from your Amazon Alexa device? Learn how to customize your settings and silence unwanted Alexa suggestions for a more personalized experience. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to regain control over your smart speaker.
A gray Amazon Alexa device on a wooden table
Disable “Things to Try”
Alexa’s “Things to Try” feature aims to introduce you to new functionalities. While potentially useful, these frequent suggestions can become intrusive. Disabling this feature is a straightforward way to minimize interruptions.
Steps to Disable “Things to Try”:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Navigate to More by tapping the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Settings.
- Choose Notifications.
- Scroll down and tap Things to Try.
- Toggle off Phone Notifications (the switch will turn from blue to gray).
Enable “Brief Mode” for Concise Responses
“Brief Mode” streamlines your interactions with Alexa. Instead of verbal confirmations, Alexa will often respond with a simple chime, making interactions quicker and less verbose.
Steps to Enable “Brief Mode”:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Go to More > Settings.
- Select Voice Responses.
- Toggle on Brief Mode.
Customize Alexa Device Notifications
Take granular control over which notifications you receive from your Alexa device. You can selectively disable announcements, reminders, hunches, and more.
Steps to Customize Notifications:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Navigate to More > Settings > Notifications.
- You’ll see a list of features and services that can send notifications.
- Tap the specific feature or service you wish to adjust (e.g., Announcements, Hunches, Reminders).
- Use the toggle to turn notifications off for that specific feature.
White Amazon Alexa device on a light wooden table with a hand touching the device
Manage Alexa Hunches
Alexa’s “Hunches” feature proactively offers suggestions based on your smart home device usage patterns. For instance, it might remind you to lock your door at night. If you prefer more privacy, you can disable this feature.
Steps to Disable Hunches:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Go to More > Settings.
- Select Hunches.
- Toggle Hunches off.
Control Package Delivery Updates
Limit the number of delivery notifications you receive from Alexa. You can choose to be notified only when a package is out for delivery or has been delivered, or disable these notifications entirely.
Steps to Manage Delivery Notifications:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Go to More > Settings > Notifications.
- Select Amazon Shopping.
- Toggle off notifications for “Out for delivery” and/or “Delivered.”
Brown package on a cement step in front of a door
Conclusion
By adjusting these settings, you can significantly reduce unwanted Alexa suggestions and tailor your smart speaker experience to your preferences. Take control of your device and enjoy a quieter, more personalized interaction with Alexa.
