If you’re tired of constant alerts from your Amazon Echo or other Alexa-enabled device, you’re not alone. Alexa notifications can range from helpful reminders to unwanted announcements about package deliveries or “Hunches.” This guide will show you how to manage and silence those bothersome Alexa notifications.
Accessing Notification Settings in the Alexa App
The first step to silencing Alexa notifications is accessing the settings within the Alexa app.
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Open the Alexa App: Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. You may need to sign in with your Amazon account credentials. Using a password manager can simplify this process.
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Navigate to Settings: On the app’s homepage, you’ll see current device notifications. These are visual notifications and will still appear even if you disable audible alerts. To change notification settings, tap the “More” button located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Then, select “Settings” from the menu.
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Find the Notifications Option: In the Settings menu, locate and select the “Notifications” option.
Customizing Your Alexa Notification Preferences
Once you’re in the Notifications section, you can customize which alerts you receive.
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Disabling Announcements: To stop Alexa from announcing package deliveries or other broadcast messages, select “Announcements.” Toggle the “Enable” button to the off position to disable this feature.
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Managing Hunches: If you find Alexa’s “Hunches” (suggestions based on your smart home activity) to be inaccurate or annoying, you can modify their settings. Select “Hunches” and tap the gear icon in the top right corner. From there, you can disable “Hunches Suggestions” to stop the notifications altogether, or just disable “Mobile Notifications” to prevent them from appearing on your phone.
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Exploring Other Notification Categories: Browse through the remaining notification categories. You’ll find options to control alerts for things like reminders, Things to Try, and more. Experiment with disabling those that you find disruptive. Note that some notifications, such as Reminders, cannot be completely turned off, but you can modify how they work.
Restoring Notifications
Remember, any changes you make are reversible. You can always re-enable notifications by following the same steps and toggling the desired options back on. For instance, you might choose to disable “Announcements” around holidays to prevent gift surprises from being spoiled, then re-enable them afterward.
By following these steps, you can regain control over your Alexa device and enjoy a quieter, less intrusive smart home experience. Managing your notifications allows you to prioritize the alerts that matter most and minimize unnecessary distractions.
