So your Alexa device is bombarding you with untimely notifications. As a long-time Alexa user myself, I totally get it—the constant reminders and alerts can get distracting when you‘re trying to focus. But did you know you can take back control and customize notifications to suit your preferences?
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll show you how I‘ve tamed notifications on my own Alexa devices after much trial and error. Soon you‘ll have the tools to disable disruptive notifications while still enjoying Alexa‘s helpful benefits. Let‘s dive in!
What Are Alexa Notifications?
First, a quick Alexa refresher. As Amazon‘s virtual voice assistant, Alexa powers popular smart devices like the Echo Dot smart speaker. She can provide information, play music, set reminders, control smart home devices, and more.
One feature Alexa offers is notifications—both audible announcements and on-screen alerts on Echo Show devices. These notifications cover:
- Shopping activity and delivery updates
- Reminders and named timers
- Smart home alerts
- Activity summaries (“You have 4 new notifications”)
- Third party apps like calendar appointments
Why Turn Off Alexa Notifications?
For some users, notifications are helpful for staying on top of reminders and deliveries. But others may find persistent notifications distracting or disruptive, especially when trying to work or relax.
Fortunately, Alexa provides customizable settings to disable notifications entirely or select which ones you want. As an Alexa power user myself, I choose to disable shopping notifications to avoid spoiling gift surprises but keep reminders active.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Turn Off Alexa Notifications
Without further ado, here is my proven step-by-step process for managing Alexa notifications to suit your needs and preferences:
Step 1: Open The Alexa App
The Alexa app allows you to modify settings for your Echo and other Alexa devices. If you don‘t already have the free Alexa app, download it from your device‘s app store.
Once installed, open the Alexa app and sign in using your Amazon login if prompted.
Tip: Make sure you select the correct Amazon account associated with your Alexa devices.
Step 2: Navigate To Settings
From the Alexa app home screen, tap the "More" icon on the bottom right corner to open the side menu. Next select "Settings" near the bottom:
This is the portal to manage notifications and other preferences.
Step 3: Select Notifications
In Settings, choose "Notifications"—the first main option at the top:
Tap into here to access your notification controls.
Step 4: Customize Individual Notification Settings
You now have granular control to toggle off certain notification types one-by-one. For example:
- Shopping Notifications: New order updates from Amazon
- Reminder Notifications: Alerts for reminders and named timers
- Activity Notifications: Summaries like “You have 4 new notifications”
And much more. Toggle specific notifications off until you have cleared away the excess noise. Keep helpful alerts like reminders or smart home notifications active if desired.
Expert Tip: Use the Notification History tab to view and manage your recent notifications.
Step 5: Configure Preferences
Venture into the Notification Preferences section for additional options to fine-tune behavior:
For example, restrict announcements whenever your smartphone device is nearby to avoid repetition. Tweak notification frequency using the intuitive settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you still hear notifications after attempting to restrict them, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Double check settings on a per-device basis
- Ensure your Alexa app is updated
- Toggle notifications off and back on to re-sync
- Restart your Echo speaker
I find these simple steps resolve most notification issues. But feel free to reach out if you have any other questions!
Pausing Notifications Temporarily
Rather than permanently disabling notifications, Alexa also offers a “Do Not Disturb” mode to temporarily halt announcements for set periods. Quite useful when you need to focus without distractions!
Activate Do Not Disturb as needed from the device settings menu. Customize schedules if desired for recurring focused time.
Special Case: Echo Show News Alerts
Echo Show smart displays take notifications a step further with visual news updates on the home screen. Some users have found this distracting.
Simply disable the news briefings from Device Settings > Home & Clock > Home Content. Toggle off “News” specifically while keeping other content like calendars.
Weighing Privacy Considerations
One common concern around Alexa notifications revolves around privacy. Granting notifications access essentially allows Amazon to view certain account activity and app information.
While Amazon states they operate under strict data protection policies, it still indirectly expands their consumer insights. Just something to remain mindful of from a privacy standpoint.
As with all smart technologies, it involves a balancing act around utility and security. My personal threshold lies at disabling shopping notifications but keeping reminders active as the benefit outweighs the risks. But you must decide what level you feel comfortable with!
Key Takeaways and Best Practices
Hopefully by now I’ve equipped you to tame disruptive Alexa notifications with these key learnings:
- Use the Alexa app to modify notification settings
- Customize individual options like shopping, reminders, activity summaries
- Configure preferences around announcement behavior
- Temporarily pause notifications with Do Not Disturb mode
- Disable Echo Show news briefings for visual clutter
- Weigh privacy considerations around Amazon’s data access
- Experiment to find the right balance for your needs!
The key is tailoring Alexa’s notifications to provide helpful benefits without constant disruption or distractions. I’m confident with these steps, you can train Alexa‘s announcements to suit your household needs and achieve notification harmony!
Let me know if any other Alexa questions come up. Happy to help fellow Alexa users master their devices!
