How do you manage two Alexas in the same room?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

Managing two Alexas in the same room can be a bit tricky, but with the right setup, it’s definitely doable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manage two Alexas in the same room:

1. Positioning the Alexas: First, you need to position the two Alexas in such a way that they are not too close to each other. This will help prevent interference and ensure that each Alexa can hear your commands clearly. Ideally, they should be at least a few feet apart.

2. Renaming the Alexas: By default, both Alexas will have the same wake word, which is “Alexa.” To avoid confusion, you can change the wake word for one of the devices. For example, you can change the wake word on one Alexa to “Echo” or “Computer.” This way, you can address each device individually without triggering the other one.

3. Assigning different locations: It’s also a good idea to assign different locations to each Alexa within the Alexa app. This will help you control them individually and give each Alexa a unique identity. To do this, open the Alexa app, go to Devices, select the Alexa you want to assign a location to, and then choose Edit. From there, you can select a location or create a custom one.

4. Adjusting the microphone sensitivity: If you find that the two Alexas are still triggering each other despite being positioned apart, you can adjust the microphone sensitivity on each device. This can help reduce false activations. In the Alexa app, go to Devices, select the Alexa you want to adjust, and then choose Microphone Settings. From there, you can lower the sensitivity level.

5. Using multi-room music: If you want to play music on both Alexas simultaneously, you can set up multi-room music. This allows you to create a group of speakers and play music on all of them at once. To set up multi-room music, open the Alexa app, go to Devices, tap the Plus icon, and choose Set Up Multi-Room Music. Select the Alexas you want to include in the group and follow the onscreen instructions.

6. Voice commands: When giving commands to the Alexas, be sure to address each one by its unique wake word. For example, if one Alexa is set to “Alexa” and the other is set to “Echo,” you would say “Alexa, play some music” or “Echo, what’s the weather like today?” This will ensure that each device responds to the correct wake word.

7. Customizing settings: don’t forget to customize the settings on each Alexa according to your preferences. This includes adjusting volume levels, enabling or disabling features like Drop In or Whisper Mode, and exploring the various skills and routines available.

Remember, managing two Alexas in the same room is all about finding the right balance and setting up the devices to work harmoniously together. With a little bit of tinkering and personalization, you can enjoy the convenience and functionality of having multiple Alexas in your home.