We love Google Home and Assistant here at Android Central, but we love the Amazon Echo and Alexa just as much. And there's no denying that some things are easier to do and just work better with Alexa than they do with our Googley home assistant friend. IFTTT is one of those things.
Setting it up is dead simple — visit the Alexa applet list at IFTTT and turn it on. You'll need to sign into Amazon and then you're all set! But this is only the beginning.
IFTTT is a translator that lets Alexa talk to things Alexa wouldn't normally be able to talk to, then it can get them to do stuff. Most of the connected things you buy will work with Alexa's "official" support but IFTTT opens up so much more that it's totally worth taking a look. Here are our five favorite applets that will show you how Alexa can work with a thing you already have — your phone!
You can visit each of these applets at IFTTT and turn them on, and after you provide a few details (like your email or attach IFTTT to you phone dialer) you can give them a try. Then you can take a peek at how they work so you know how to use Alexa and your Android in any situation.
List the songs you play on Alexa in a Drive spreadsheet
This applet connects Alexa to Google Drive through IFTTT and shows how to create and edit a document. A list of songs might not be something you'll use every day but knowing how to get Alexa and your office suite software working together can be awesome.
Ring your phone when your Alexa alarm goes off
This one is not only a great way to learn how to get your phone and Alexa talking to each other, but can be pretty useful if you need to know when Alexa is trying to reach you. Two functions are always better than one.
Have Alexa email you its shopping list
Having Alexa keep your shopping list is easy and we love things that are easy. But Alexa is usually at home and when you're shopping you might not be. Make Alexa a little smarter so she can send you what you need whenever you need it.
Have Alexa find your Android phone
There are countless ways to find your lost phone by making it ring. One more doesn't hurt and you know this is true if you've ever looked all over for it. This applet also shows you how to make Alexa call a phone without using Amazon's dialing service.
Have Alexa turn your phone's ringer on
Finding your phone is cool and all, but what if you have it set on vibrate? Sure the app from Google or the company who made it can work around that problem but there's no fun in that. This applet shows you how easy it is for Alexa to turn your phone's volume up — perfect if you want to send an alert like we did in an earlier applet.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
MST was great, but its death is a good thing for mobile payments
Samsung has killed MST because the world doesn't really need MST any longer. Unless you're buying worms.
Dadish 2 is a tasty platformer with a dash of dad jokes
The original Dadish quickly became an iconic mobile game after it released in early 2020, and now its sequel aims to bring even more flavor to the excellent mobile platformer.
Impressions: RE Village demo 'Maiden' wants you to ask what's in the wine
The PS5-exclusive (for now) demo for Resident Evil Village, called Maiden, is an atmospheric tour through Castle Dimitrescu. It really sets the tone for what's to come.
Amazon Echo accessories to make Alexa even better
No matter which Amazon Echo devices you own, there are plenty of helpful accessories to enhance your Alexa experience. Here are some of our favorites to compliment your Echo, whichever generation you have.