Adding items to a shopping list using just your voice with Alexa is incredibly convenient. However, managing that list on your smartphone in a busy grocery store using a typical app can sometimes feel cumbersome. Thankfully, Amazon has introduced a new homescreen widget for Alexa’s shopping list feature that streamlines the process, making your grocery trips smoother than ever.
The Convenience of Voice and the Widget Solution
For users of Alexa smart speakers, creating a grocery list by voice is a game-changer. You can simply tell Alexa to “add milk to my shopping list” while in the kitchen, and it’s done. This hands-free approach is perfect for busy households. But when it comes time to actually shop, navigating a full-fledged app on your phone to access that list can be a bit clunky. This is where the new Alexa Shopping List widget steps in to bridge the gap between voice convenience at home and mobile ease in the store.
This widget, available for both iPhone and Android devices, brings your Alexa shopping list directly to your phone’s homescreen. No more fumbling through menus or waiting for apps to load while you’re trying to find the pasta aisle. It’s designed to keep your list visible and accessible, right when you need it.
Setting Up the Alexa Shopping List Widget (iOS & Android)
Getting the Alexa Shopping List widget on your homescreen is a straightforward process, mirroring the installation of any other app widget. First, ensure you have the latest version of the Alexa app installed on your smartphone. Once updated, the process to add the widget is similar on both platforms:
- For iPhone: From your iPhone’s home screen, swipe right to access the Today View (or long-press on an empty area to enter jiggle mode and tap the “+” button). Scroll down and select “Alexa.” You can then choose from two widget sizes and add it to your Today View or directly to your home screen.
- For Android: On your Android phone, long-press on an empty space on your homescreen. Select “Widgets” from the options that appear. Scroll through your widgets to find “Alexa.” You can then drag and drop the Alexa Shopping List widget onto your desired homescreen location. Android users also have the benefit of resizing the widget to their preference.
Alexa shopping list widget displayed on a smartphone, showing how to easily view your voice-created grocery list on the go.Widget Functionality and User Experience (iOS vs. Android)
The Alexa Shopping List widget offers slightly different functionalities depending on whether you are using iOS or Android:
- iOS: On iOS, you have two size options for the widget. One displays up to two items, while the larger size shows up to seven items. Both sizes also include a numeric indicator of the total items on your list. You can also add it as a lock screen widget for even quicker access. Tapping the widget on iOS will directly open the Shopping List within the Alexa app. Unfortunately, direct interaction like checking off items isn’t available directly on the iOS widget itself.
- Android: Android users enjoy a more interactive experience. The Android widget is resizable and scrollable, allowing you to see your entire list directly on the homescreen. Crucially, you can check items off your list directly from the Android widget, and manually refresh it. While adding a new item via the widget still opens the Alexa app, it takes you directly to the text input field, making the process faster.
Why This Widget is a Game Changer for Alexa Grocery Lists
While neither widget provides a completely independent shopping list experience, they both represent a significant improvement over solely relying on the Alexa app. For iOS users, it’s a faster way to access the list compared to navigating through the app’s menus. For Android users, the ability to check off items directly on the widget adds a valuable layer of convenience during shopping.
Ultimately, the Alexa Shopping List widget enhances the entire Alexa grocery list ecosystem. It bridges the gap between the ease of voice input and the practicality of mobile access when you’re out shopping. If you’re an Alexa user who frequently creates grocery lists, this widget is a must-have to streamline your shopping trips and maximize the convenience Alexa offers.
