Routines are customisations that the end user can use to create custom workflows. For example, instead of having to say "Alexa, run the Goodbye scene", you can create a Routine called Goodbye which would run the Goodbye scene. The invocation would simply be "Alexa, Goodbye".


Routines also allow you to include other actions and custom phrases. For example, a Good Morning Routine could turn on lights, open the blinds, give a weather report for the day, and start playing the radio.


To make a voice routine:

  1. Open the Alexa App
  2. Press the three bars (hamburger) in the top right hand of the window
  3. Select Routines
  4. Press the White Plus in the top right hand corner.
  5. Press "When this happens"
  6. Select Voice
  7. Type the command you want: eg. Good Night.
  8. Select "Add action"
  9. Choose "Smart Home"
  10. Add the Scenes and Devices you want to control and set the levels or states they should be set to.
  11. You can choose to add an audio response by adding an "Alexa says" action
  12. When you are happy with your New Routine press the blue Create button down the bottom


If you are having trouble with the When you say... options, use "Alexa, Simon Says ..." to work out what it should be. Your Echo device will repeat what you said, which can make it easier to ascertain what it is hearing you say.


Note that Routines can only be made in the Alexa smart phone app; they can't be created, deleted or edited from alexa.amazon.com.