The Amazon Echo Show 5 is one of Amazon's most popular smart displays, blending the hands-free Alexa voice assistant with a compact 5.5" smart screen. If you're considering an Echo Show 5 for your home or want to learn how to get the most out of this handy smart display, this comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know.
Overview of the Echo Show 5’s Features
The Amazon Echo Show 5 was first released in 2019 and is now on its 3rd generation model. The device acts as an Alexa-powered smart speaker with the added benefit of a vibrant 5.5" touchscreen. This makes it perfect for placing on a nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter.
Some of the key features of the Amazon Echo Show 5 include:
- Alexa voice assistant - Control smart home devices, get information, set timers/alarms, manage calendar events, play music & more, all through Alexa voice commands.
- 5.5” touch screen - Compact but vivid display lets you watch videos, view photos, follow recipes, see lyrics when you play music, and more.
- Video calling - Use the built-in camera to make Alexa video calls to family and friends who also have an Echo Show or the Alexa app.
- Entertainment - Stream shows, movies, news, and more from services like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu. Pair with Fire TV to watch on a bigger screen.
- Smart home hub - Control compatible smart lights, switches, locks, thermostats and more with your voice or the display screen.
- Sunrise alarm - Wake up gently to a screen that brightens like a sunrise. You can pair it with music, weather, and news briefings.
- 2 MP camera - Makes high-quality video calls with a 720p HD lens and auto-framing to keep you centered. The built-in camera shutter allows you to block the camera when not in use.
- Colors - Available in charming color options like Glacier White, Charcoal, Deep Sea Blue, and new seasonal tones.
- Compact size - At just 5.8” x 3.4”, the Echo Show 5 has a tiny footprint, perfect for tight spaces.
Now that we've covered the Amazon Echo Show 5's main features, let's look at setting up this handy smart display in your home.
Step-by-Step Setup of the Amazon Echo Show 5
Getting started with your new Amazon Echo Show 5 only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough on getting it set up:
1. Download the Alexa app - This is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices. The app allows you to complete the setup process for any Alexa-enabled devices.
2. Plug in your Echo Show 5 - Connect the included power adapter and plug the device in so it can power on.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi - The Echo Show 5 will automatically search for your Wi-Fi network. Select your network name and enter the password when prompted on the display screen.
4. Sign into the Alexa app - Open the app on your smartphone and sign into your Alexa account. If you don't have one yet, you can create a new account for free in the app.
5. Follow setup prompts - The Alexa app will have you name your device, select a room for it, adjust volume levels, connect video services, and customize other options.
6. Follow on-screen tutorials - Once setup is complete, the Echo Show 5 display will walk you through some basic on-screen tutorials for getting started with the touch screen.
7. Start using Alexa! - With setup finished, you can start asking Alexa questions, controlling smart home devices, making video calls, streaming media, and more!
The initial setup takes less than 10 minutes. Amazon makes it easy to get your Echo Show 5 up and running quickly. Next up, let's look at some of the most common ways people use their Amazon Echo Show 5.
Popular Use Cases for the Amazon Echo Show 5
Thanks to the touchscreen and Alexa voice control combined into one device, the Echo Show 5 is extremely versatile. Here are some of the most common ways people use their Echo Show 5:
- Smart home hub - Use it as a control center for smart lights, thermostats, locks, switches, and more. The screen lets you tap to control devices or view security camera feeds.
- Kitchen assistant - Follow step-by-step recipes, add items to your shopping list or Alexa reminders, set timers and alarms, listen to music or podcasts, and video call family while you cook.
- Bedside companion - The compact size is perfect for nightstands. Use it as an alarm clock with the sunrise feature, play sleep sounds, get a weather/news briefing in the morning.
- Home office upgrade - Video call coworkers, view your calendar, set reminders, play music to focus, and watch training videos hands-free.
- Entertainment hub - Stream shows, movies, live TV, sports and more. Controls for Fire TV or cable boxes let you change channels with your voice.
- Digital photo frame - Upload albums to Amazon Photos and display your favorite pics and memories as beautiful slideshows.
- Caller ID/intercom - See who's calling and answer Ring video doorbells. Drop in on or announce to other Alexa devices in your home.
This is just a sample of the many ways to use the Echo Show 5's screen with Alexa. It's perfect for any space where having a display enhances the voice assistant capabilities.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Amazon Echo Show 5
To help you really maximize what your Echo Show 5 can do, here are some handy tips and tricks:
- Adjust screen brightness - Swipe down from the top of the screen and move the brightness slider left or right. Use auto-brightness to have it adjust automatically to the room.
- Customize the home screen - Long press the home screen to change the clock style, add widgets like weather, smart home controls, sticky notes, and more.
- Set up routines - Have Alexa automatically perform a sequence of actions with one command like "Alexa, good morning". Great for starting your day.
- Manage smart home groups - Create device groups to control multiple lights, switches, or other devices with a single command.
- Enable Alexa Guard - Get alerts if Alexa detects smoke alarms, glass breaking, or activity when you're away.
- Disable camera and microphone - Press the shutter button to block the camera. Press the microphone off button to disable voice control.
- Pair with Bluetooth speakers - For better sound quality when listening to music or watching videos, connect wireless Bluetooth speakers.
- Monitor with Alexa Look - With a standalone Alexa Look camera, you can view its live feed on your Echo Show to keep an eye on your home.
Taking the time to customize settings and features unlocks the full potential of your Amazon Echo Show 5. Let's look at some of the best skills to enable next.
Top Alexa Skills to Try on the Amazon Echo Show 5
One of the best parts about Alexa is all of the skills that add new capabilities. Here are some great Alexa skills worth enabling on your Echo Show 5:
- Amazon Photos - Allows Alexa to display your Amazon Photos account pictures as wallpaper or in special memories and albums.
- Food Network - Get access to thousands of recipes from top chefs that you can view on the screen and save to your Alexa cookbook.
- Telstra Home - Telstra customers can manage their account, view usage information, pay bills, and control their smart home devices.
- Jeopardy - Tests your trivia knowledge by playing the Jeopardy question game on your Echo Show.
- Progressive Stories - Alexa will display fun illustrations as she tells interactive stories where you get to choose the ending.
- Chompers - Entertaining skill that helps kids brush their teeth properly by encouraging them to keep brushing with songs and jokes.
- Rain Today - Provides a convenient forecast for rain likelihood so you can plan your day accordingly.
- Song Quiz - Fun music trivia game where Alexa plays clips of songs and you have to guess the title and artist.
Enabling skills gives you many more ways to interact with your Echo Show. Search for skills in the Alexa app to try out different ones.
Troubleshooting Common Amazon Echo Show 5 Problems
While the Echo Show 5 doesn't usually experience many issues, here are some troubleshooting tips for a few of the most common problems:
Alexa isn't responding - Make sure the microphones aren't muted. Unplug the device for a full reboot. Double check Wi-Fi connections in the Alexa app.
Choppy or frozen video - Slow internet speeds can disrupt video playback. Try closing other programs using your Wi-Fi bandwidth or move the Show 5 closer to your router. Restart your modem/router if needed.
No sound - Verify volume levels are turned up on the Echo Show 5. Make sure other audio sources like TVs or stereos are muted or disabled so all audio goes through the Show 5.
Amazon Echo Show 5 won't connect to Wi-Fi - Make sure you entered the correct Wi-Fi password during setup. Try moving the device closer to your wireless router for a better connection. You may need to reboot your modem and router.
Display isn't responsive - Fingerprint smudges on the screen can interfere with sensitivity. Wipe the screen down with a microfiber cloth. For continued non-responsiveness, reboot the device.
Following basic troubleshooting steps should resolve most minor issues with your Amazon Echo Show 5. Always check Alexa app notifications for alerts about any connection problems.
Now that we've covered the key things you should know about setting up and using an Amazon Echo Show 5, let's wrap up with a final summary of why this smart display makes a great addition to your home.
In Conclusion: Why Choose the Amazon Echo Show 5?
The Echo Show 5 strikes the perfect balance of size, features, and affordability. It's the ideal compact smart display for placing in any room of your home.
Some of the best reasons to consider an Echo Show 5 include:
- Hands-free Alexa voice assistant access on a vivid, interactive touchscreen
- Compact 5.5" screen ideal for countertops, desks, nightstands, and more
- Big functionality in a small package
- Affordable price point compared to larger smart displays
- Sunrise alarms and weather displays perfect for bedrooms
- Makes controlling your smart home easy from a central hub
- Allows convenient video calls with family and friends
- Stream shows, movies, news, and camera feeds
- Doubles as a digital photo frame for your favorite memories
- Available in charming color options to match any decor
- Sets up in minutes with simple Alexa app instructions
With its versatile design and full smart assistant capabilities, the Amazon Echo Show 5 is an easy recommendation for your first Alexa screen device. It delivers big features without demanding a lot of space or upfront investment. Hands-free voice control combined with a dynamic display opens up all kinds of helpful and entertaining uses each day. Adding an Amazon Echo Show 5 to different rooms in your home will bring Alexa convenience to the whole family. For any further questions, you can leave a comment below or shoot us a message!
