# HOW TO USE ALEXA ON ANDROID ?
This article explains how to use the Amazon Alexa voice assistant app on your Android device through the Amazon Alexa app for Android. The instructions apply to all Android mobile devices, regardless of manufacturer.
## How to install Alexa
* To use Alexa on Android, start by downloading and setting up the app:
* Download the Amazon Alexa app from the Play Store.
* Launch the Amazon Alexa app and sign in with your Amazon account information (or create a new account if you don't have one).
* Select your name from the list or tap I'm someone else and provide your information.
* You will then be prompted to set up Alexa voice identification. Touch Accept and continue, or touch Skip for now.
* Tap Set up my features.
* Touch Yes if you want to give Amazon permission to upload your contacts, which can help you connect with family and friends. If you prefer not to give permission at this time, tap Later.
* You will then be prompted to create a profile for each family member. Touch Add someone else or Set up later.
* Tap Done. When you get to the Alexa app home screen, swipe up to explore the different things Alexa can do.
### How to customize Alexa
Taking the time to customize Alexa on your phone will help you get the results you want when you start using voice commands:
* Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone and tap Devices at the bottom.
* Tap Echo and Alexa.
* Touch Alexa on this phone.
* On the next few screens, customize your preferred region, time zone, and units of measure.
### How to use Alexa voice commands
**To start using Alexa voice command skills right away:**
* Touch More on the home screen.
* Tap Settings.
* Tap Device settings.
* Touch Alexa on this phone.
* Switch Enable Alexa Hands-Free to the On position.
* To activate Alexa, say "Alexa" and give a command or ask a question like:
* Alexa, find the nearest supermarket.
* Alexa, how's the weather?
* Alexa, what's on my calendar tomorrow?
* Alexa, tell me a joke.
* How to make Alexa your default Android assistant
* To make Alexa your phone's default assistant so you can access it by pressing the Home key:
* Go to your device Settings > Applications.
* Tap Default apps.
* Tap the Digital Assistant app.
* Tap Default digital assistant app.
* Select Amazon Alexa.
#### Why use Alexa on Android?
Here are some ways you can use voice commands with Alexa:
Connect with family and friends by calling or messaging anyone with the Alexa app or an Amazon Echo device.
Manage your smart home, turn on lights, check locks, or adjust your thermostat from anywhere.
Pair your phone with another Alexa device as a remote to access enhanced features or for simplified setup.
Download Alexa voice command skills and create your own skills.
#### How to use Alexa on Android
You can use your Echo device with your Android phone, giving you more control over Alexa. Alexa is the name of the virtual assistant of Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot smart speakers. There are several reasons why you might want to know how to use Alexa on an Android phone.
Maybe you want to check your home's smart locks while you're stuck in the office. Or maybe you want to send a message to someone who also has an Amazon Echo. No matter the reason, using Alexa on Android adds another layer of convenience to your day.
So how exactly can you use Alexa on an Android phone? Follow the steps below:
#### How to set up Alexa on your Android
* Go to the Google Play Store. It's in the apps section of your device.
* Search for the Amazon Alexa app. You can type the full name to search, but "Alexa" will only work as well.
* Press install. Wait for the app to download. After installing the app, you can set it up to connect to your Amazon account.
* When you're done, go back to the home screen and touch the app to set it up.
* Sign in with your Amazon account username and password.
* Then tap on the Get Started button.
* Under Help Alexa get to know you, choose your name. If you don't see your name, you'll need to tap I'm Someone Else and enter your information. Click continue when done.
* Touch Allow or Later if Amazon requests permission to upload your contacts. Allowing it will make it easier to connect with family or friends through your device.
* If you want to send and receive calls using Alexa, verify your phone number.
* To confirm, you will receive an SMS with a verification code. Enter this code and tap Continue. If you do not want to use this feature, tap Skip.
* Now that you've downloaded, installed, and set up your Alexa on your Android device, it's time to start using it!
#### How do I use Alexa on my phone?
With Alexa right on your Android phone, you can harness the skills of this handy voice assistant no matter where you are. To start giving Alexa voice commands on your **Android, follow these steps:**
* Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your phone.
* Tap the Alexa icon at the bottom of the screen.
* Touch Allow to give Alexa permission to access your phone's microphone. On some devices, you may need to tap Allow again when prompted by a security popup. Tap Done.
* To use Alexa, give her a command or ask her a question.
* By following the step-by-step guide above, you should be able to interact with Alexa, even when you're not in the same location as your Amazon Echo device.
* If you want to discover all the other cool things you can do with Alexa, check out our guide here.
* Set Alexa as your default voice assistant on an Android device
* Use Alexa as your preferred voice assistant on your Android mobile device.
* You must download and install the Alexa app to use Alexa as the default voice assistant on your Android mobile device.
* To set Alexa as the default voice assistant:
* Open the Settings menu on your Android mobile device.
* Search for "Phone Support App" or "Default Digital Assistant" using the search option.
* Choose Alexa.
* To activate Alexa, press and hold the home button on your device