This article was published on January 31, 2018

Alexa can now send SMS messages in the US, here’s how


Alexa can now send SMS messages in the US, here’s how

Amazon just added a handy feature to its Alexa assistant, which lets you send texts via SMS just by issuing a voice command to your Echo or other supported speaker.

This works for users in the US, and only if you’ve got an Alexa-powered speaker connected to an Android device on which you’re signed into your Amazon account. Here’s how to set it up and send your first message via Alexa:

  • Launch the Alexa app, and sign up for Alexa Calling & Messaging.
  • Tap the Conversations button, and select ‘Contacts., then ‘My Profile.’
  • Enable “Send an SMS” and accept the Android OS permission request.
  • Invoke Alexa with a voice command to your speaker and say, “Send an SMS to (contact name).”

That’s pretty handy for when you need to shoot off a text and have your hands full. SMS may not be sexy anymore, but everyone with a phone can receive your messages. It also negates the need for your contact to have an Echo or the Alexa app so you can use the intercom-style messaging features. Just remember that this doesn’t work for texting 911, or sending group messages and MMS.

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