Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
You can use Alexa on your Echo device to order or re-order items from Amazon
Amazon’s Echo speakers and displays offer plenty of features, from playing music and podcasts, to telling you about the weather and announcing who is at the front door. You can also use Alexa on your Echo speaker or display to order or re-order items through Amazon however, whether that’s bin liners, ink cartridges, or something more exciting.
The Echo Show will also display your upcoming Amazon orders if you want it to, which we have covered off separately, but here we are focusing on how to use Alexa to order or re-order an item on Amazon on your Echo display or speaker.
What you’ll need
- Your smartphone or tablet
- Your Echo speaker or display
The short version
- Ask Alexa to order the item you want to order or re-order.
- If you’re on an Echo smart display, the items Alexa has found will appear on the screen.
- If you’re using an Echo speaker, Alexa will pick the most likely option based on your order history and add directly to your basket.
- Tell Alexa the number of the product you want to order or reorder based on the list.
- Give your PIN code if asked to confirm the purchase.
It’s nice and easy to order or re-order items from Amazon using Alexa – almost too easy in fact. We don’t need any excuses to spend money over here! It’s worth mentioning the experience is much friendlier when using an Echo Show or Echo Hub than an Echo speaker, but it is possible to order items on Amazon using Alexa on both. You will need to make sure you have enabled Voice Purchasing through the Alexa app if you want to be able to instantly order items, and it’s also worth checking your default payment method on Amazon as that is what Alexa will use when ordering.
Any items you have ordered in the past will be displayed on your Echo display first as the options to select from. When you’re using an Echo speaker, Alexa will pick the most likely option you might choose based on your order history and add it to your shopping basket. You can remove it from your shopping basket if it’s not what you’re looking for, of course.
For example, if you have previously ordered Bed Head shampoo and you ask Alexa to order shampoo, that is what the first option will be on your Echo display or the option added to your basket from your speaker will be. It will depend on your Voice Purchasing preferences as to how the order is then placed.
Time needed: 5 minutes
- Ask Alexa to order the item you want to buy
First up, tell Alexa to order the item you want. For example, say “Alexa, order razor blades” to your Echo display or Echo speaker. A list of options will appear on your Echo Show or Echo Hub. If you’re using an Echo speaker, Alexa will automatically add the most likely item to your basket.
- Tell Alexa the number of the item
When using an Echo display, you can then scroll through the options presented to you by Alexa on the screen. It’s a simple swipe across. To order one of the products in the list, say “Alexa, add number 1 to my basket”, or “Alexa, re-order item number 1”. If you’re using an Echo speaker, Alexa will tell you the item that has been added to your basket. You can then decide if that’s what you want.
- Make sure Voice Purchasing is enabled
Here is where you’ll need to make sure Voice Purchasing is enabled. If you have it enabled, Alexa will simply order the item you have chosen using your default payment method. You might be asked for a PIN to confirm the purchase, depending on how you have set it up.
That’s it! Alexa should have now ordered the item you were looking for and you can go about the rest of your day.
FAQs
Yes, you can ask Alexa to order anything from Amazon but if you haven’t previously ordered them, the options won’t be tailored to you and instead will be the top options Alexa picks.
