Quick answer: Alexa routines let one trigger (a phrase, a time, a sensor or your phone’s location) run several actions at once. Create one in the Alexa app → More → Routines → +. Below are 15 Alexa routines worth setting up, grouped by time of day.
How we put this guide together: written by Md. Mehedi Hasan for TopSmartGear, based on Amazon’s official guide to creating Alexa routines. This is a research-based guide, not a hands-on test. Read how we review.
How to create an Alexa routine
- Open the Alexa app and tap More → Routines, then +.
- Give it a name.
- Tap When this happens and choose a trigger: a voice phrase, a schedule, sunrise or sunset, a smart home device, your location, or dismissing an alarm.
- Tap Add action and add steps: smart home devices, Alexa says, weather, news, music, wait, and more.
- Choose which Echo should respond, then save.
Morning Alexa routines
- “Alexa, good morning”: lights on at 50%, today’s weather, your calendar and a news briefing.
- Gentle wake-up: at your alarm time, bedroom lights fade up slowly before the alarm sounds.
- Coffee on: when you dismiss your alarm, a smart plug turns on the coffee maker.
- School run reminder: on weekdays at 7:45 a.m., Alexa announces “Time to leave in 15 minutes.”
Leaving and coming home
- “Alexa, I’m leaving”: all lights off, smart plugs off and, if you have Ring Alarm, arm in Away mode.
- Arrive home (location trigger): porch and hallway lights on after sunset.
- Away lighting: while you travel, lights turn on at sunset and off at 11 p.m. so the house looks lived in.
Evening and bedtime Alexa routines
- Sunset lights: living room lights on in warm white at sunset.
- “Alexa, movie time”: dim the lights to 20%, set a warm color and turn on the TV through Fire TV.
- “Alexa, good night”: all lights off, lock the smart lock, set tomorrow’s alarm and play sleep sounds for 30 minutes.
- Screen-time wind-down: at 8:30 p.m., the kids’ room lights dim and Alexa announces bedtime.
Security and peace of mind
- Doorbell pressed: Echo Show displays the doorbell camera and Echo speakers announce “Someone is at the front door.”
- Motion at night: outdoor camera motion after 11 p.m. turns on the porch light.
- Door left open: if a contact sensor stays open for 5 minutes, Alexa announces a reminder.
Family
- “Alexa, dinner’s ready”: announcement to every Echo in the house, and the kitchen lights brighten.
Tips for Alexa routines that work
- Give devices short, unique names (“porch light,” not “light 2”).
- Use a Wait action between steps that need time, like lights fading up.
- If a device doesn’t respond, see our Alexa troubleshooting guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many Alexa routines can I have?
Amazon allows up to 200 routines on one account.
Can one routine do several things?
Yes. You can add several actions to a single routine, and add a Wait action between steps.
Can I create an Alexa routine with my voice?
Not fully. You build and edit routines in the Alexa app, then start them with your voice or another trigger.
Why is my Alexa routine not working?
Check that the routine is turned on, the trigger is set correctly, and every device in it is online in the Alexa app.
Need devices for these routines? See smart lights that work with Alexa, best smart locks and our Echo setup guide.
