Amazon Echo devices are central to building a smart home, seamlessly integrating voice commands, information access, and compatibility with dozens of smart products. As experts in smart home tech, we've tested Echo extensively and found it grows more capable with each update.
Your Echo works great out of the box, but one default-disabled setting deserves immediate attention: audio confirmation sounds. When you say "Alexa," the device lights up to show it's listening—but if it's hidden in a corner or you're multitasking, you might miss it.
That's where the Sounds Request feature helps. Open the Alexa app, go to the left sidebar and tap Settings. Select your device from the top of the list, then choose Sounds & Notifications.
Scroll to the Sounds Request section at the bottom. Toggle on the two options: one plays a chime when you say "Alexa," and the other when you finish speaking. Need inspiration? Check out the funniest questions to ask Alexa or explore 20 Echo Skills That Prove Alexa Isn't Always That Smart. Despite occasional quirks, Alexa's extensibility through Skills makes it indispensable. Here are 20 Echo Skills that may surprise you.
This subtle chime provides reassuring feedback, confirming Alexa heard you—especially useful when visuals aren't visible. It's a small tweak with big usability gains.
Confused by Echo models? See our in-depth Amazon Echo vs. Dot vs. Tap comparison: key differences. Echo offers premium features, while Dot and Tap provide affordable alternatives.
Do you prefer the confirmation tone, or do you manage without it? Share your favorite Echo feature in the comments!
