Alexa can notify you about everything from packages out for delivery to items in your calendar. Here’s how to identify different notifications and how to switch them off.
Alexa can be a very handy addition to your home. From setting timers and providing the weather report to offering personalized responses such as a flash briefing with set news sources. You can even get the voice assistant to make calls and send messages to your contacts, without reaching for your phone. When Alexa is responding to your query, a blue LED illuminates on an Echo smart speaker – or, if you have an Echo smart display then it will appear on-screen. You may also have seen a yellow LED appear on your Echo, or heard it play an unusual tone, and may be wondering what on earth it means. It is, in fact, probably a notification to indicate that something you’ve ordered on Amazon is either out for delivery, or has been delivered. We say ‘probably’ because Alexa can offer up notifications for a number of reasons – more on that below. Considering you need an Amazon account to set up a smart speaker with Alexa built-in, it’s no surprise that Amazon’s voice assistant knows exactly what you’ve bought and when it’s arriving. However, while this might be handy if you live on your own, if you share a house with other people and have just ordered birthday or Christmas presents, it could prove problematic. More so because if anyone says “Alexa, where’s my stuff”, Amazon’s voice assistant will reel off a list of purchases and when they’re due to be delivered. Fancy grabbing yourself one of Amazon’s smart speakers or smart displays? Check out the best prices on offer right now. If you see a yellow flashing light on your Amazon Echo, or hear it make an unusual tone, the best thing to do is determine what the notification is for – and if you no longer need it, to remove it.
