Far beyond just playing music or setting timers, Alexa has evolved into a versatile smart home hub, boasting over 100,000 skills designed to simplify your daily life. Imagine controlling your home with just your voice, from adjusting the lights to managing your grocery list. But what if Alexa could also banish the dreaded remote control search from your life?
That’s right, Alexa can control your TV, offering the power to turn it on, change channels, and even search for your favorite shows – all without lifting a finger. This seamless integration brings a new level of convenience to your entertainment experience.
However, diving into new tech can sometimes feel daunting. Despite the growing popularity of smart speakers – with Amazon Echo devices dominating over 50% of the market in 2020 according to Statista – many users are still unaware of Alexa’s full potential, especially when it comes to TV control.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to connect Alexa to your TV, unlock a world of voice commands, and explore the various ways you can enjoy hands-free entertainment. Get ready to ditch the remote and embrace the future of TV control.
Simple Steps to Connect Alexa to Your TV
Setting up Alexa to control your TV is surprisingly straightforward and should only take a few minutes. The key is the Alexa app, your central hub for managing all things Alexa.
-
Launch the Alexa App: Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. You’ll find the ‘Devices’ icon at the bottom of the screen, tap on it to proceed.
-
Add a New Device: Look for the ‘+’ icon, usually located in the top right corner of the ‘Devices’ screen. Tap ‘+’ and then select ‘Add Device’ from the menu.
-
Choose ‘TV’: You’ll be presented with a list of device types. Scroll down and select ‘TV’ to indicate the type of device you’re connecting.
-
Select Your TV Brand: Alexa will now display a list of TV brands. Choose your smart TV brand from the options provided.
-
Follow App Instructions: The Alexa app will now guide you through the final steps to complete the setup process. These instructions are usually specific to your TV brand and may involve enabling a skill or linking accounts.
Alexa seamlessly integrates with Amazon Echo devices and the Amazon Fire TV product line. This compatibility extends to devices like the Fire TV Stick with built-in Alexa, Fire TV Cube, Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Show, including previous generations. Beyond Amazon’s ecosystem, Alexa also works with numerous smart TV brands, as we’ll explore further.
Unleash Voice Commands: Control Your TV with Your Voice
Once connected, you can start using voice commands to control your TV. While specific commands might vary slightly depending on your TV brand or set-top box, here are some common and useful commands to get you started:
-
Power Control:
- “Alexa, turn on the TV”
- “Alexa, turn off the TV”
-
Volume Adjustment:
- “Alexa, turn up the volume”
- “Alexa, turn down the volume”
- “Alexa, set the volume to [level]” (e.g., “Alexa, set the volume to 5”)
- “Alexa, mute the TV”
- “Alexa, unmute the TV”
-
Channel Navigation:
- “Alexa, change the channel to [channel number or name]” (e.g., “Alexa, change the channel to NBC”)
- “Alexa, next channel”
- “Alexa, previous channel”
-
Content Playback:
- “Alexa, play [TV show, movie]” (e.g., “Alexa, play Stranger Things”)
- “Alexa, pause”
- “Alexa, play”
- “Alexa, stop”
- “Alexa, rewind”
- “Alexa, fast forward”
-
Streaming Service Control:
- “Alexa, open [streaming service name]” (e.g., “Alexa, open Netflix”)
- “Alexa, watch [TV show] on [streaming app]” (e.g., “Alexa, watch The Crown on Netflix”)
Explore further commands to navigate menus, launch apps, adjust settings, and search for content. Experiment and discover the full range of voice control possibilities for your entertainment setup.
Beyond Basic Commands: Exploring Advanced Control Options
Beyond the standard commands, there are several other ways to enhance your Alexa-powered TV control. If you already own some of these devices, you might be closer to a fully hands-free experience than you think.
-
Fire TV Stick with Built-in Alexa: This popular streaming stick simply plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. While it supports a wide array of Alexa commands, truly hands-free control requires pressing the microphone button on the remote. However, for integrated voice search and app navigation, it’s a powerful addition.
-
Fire Edition TVs: These TVs, often from brands like Toshiba and Insignia, have Fire TV OS built-in, offering seamless Alexa integration. Coupled with any Echo device (Echo Dot, Echo Show, etc.), you gain complete hands-free control. Similarly, TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony with Alexa compatibility can be linked to your Echo devices via the Alexa app for voice control.
-
Smart Home Hubs: For older TVs or non-smart TVs, a smart home hub can bridge the gap. Devices like Logitech Harmony Hub act as adaptors, converting your voice commands into infrared (IR) signals that traditional TVs understand for basic on/off and channel control.
Which TV and Streaming Brands Work with Alexa?
The ecosystem of Alexa-compatible TVs and streaming platforms is constantly expanding. Here are some of the major brands and platforms that currently offer integration:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Roku (limited control, primarily for launching Roku channels)
- Xbox (media playback control)
- Sony (select smart TV models)
- Samsung (select smart TV models)
- LG (select smart TV models with ThinQ AI)
- Vizio SmartCast
- Altice One
- Verizon Fios (via Fios TV Voice Remote and Alexa skill)
- NVIDIA Shield TV
- Philips (select smart TV models)
- Panasonic (select smart TV models)
- TCL (select Roku TV and Android TV models)
- Logitech Harmony (universal remote and smart home hub)
This list is not exhaustive, and compatibility details can vary by model and region. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm Alexa compatibility for your specific TV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alexa and TV Control
How do I control my TV with Alexa?
You connect Alexa to your compatible TV through the Alexa app. Once linked, you can use voice commands to control various TV functions.
Can Alexa be used to control a smart TV?
Yes, many modern smart TVs offer Alexa voice control capabilities, either built-in or through compatibility with Alexa devices.
Can Alexa turn on my TV?
Yes, turning your TV on and off is a primary function Alexa can handle, provided your TV and setup support this feature.
How do I connect my TV to Alexa?
Many smart TVs have Alexa built-in. For others, you connect via the Alexa app, often by enabling a specific skill and linking your accounts.
Alexa, what should I watch?
If you’re seeking viewing inspiration, you can ask Alexa for recommendations, especially if you use Amazon Fire TV. Alexa can provide curated lists of suggestions.
Can I use my phone as a remote?
Yes! In addition to voice control, you can definitely use your smartphone as a TV remote. Explore TV remote apps or streaming service apps that offer remote control features.
Embrace the convenience of voice control and transform your TV viewing experience with Alexa. Say goodbye to remote control hassles and hello to effortless entertainment!
Written by:
Lisa Iscrupe
Writer, Broadband & Data Content
Edited by:
Robin Layton
Editor, Broadband Content
