How to Shop with Alexa: Complete Guide

Alexa can handle your entire shopping list—from adding items to your cart to reordering household staples—using just your voice. This guide walks you through setting up voice shopping, linking stores, placing orders, and managing returns, so you can shop hands-free safely and efficiently.

What You’ll Need

An Amazon account (Alexa shopping works primarily through Amazon).
An Alexa-enabled device (Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, or the Alexa app on your phone).
The Alexa app (free, available for iOS and Android).
A payment method saved to your Amazon account.
A default shipping address set in your Amazon account.

Step-by-Step

Set up your Alexa device. Plug in your Echo, open the Alexa app, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Amazon account.
Enable voice purchasing. In the Alexa app, go to More > Settings > Voice Purchasing. Toggle on Purchase by voice. You can also enable Voice Code for extra security (recommended).
Set a voice code (optional but recommended). In the same menu, select Voice Code and enter a 4-digit PIN. Alexa will ask for this before completing any purchase.
Link your Amazon account. Your Alexa device is already linked to the Amazon account you used during setup. If you want to shop with a different account, go to Settings > Account > Amazon Account and switch accounts.
Add items to your shopping list. Say, “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list.” Open the Alexa app, go to Lists > Shopping, and you’ll see the item. You can also add items by saying, “Alexa, add paper towels to my cart.”
Search for products. Say, “Alexa, search for coffee beans.” Alexa will show or read results from Amazon. On an Echo Show, you’ll see a visual list; on other devices, you’ll hear a short description.
Order an item. To buy a specific product, say, “Alexa, order coffee beans.” Alexa will confirm the price and shipping details before placing the order. If you have a voice code enabled, you’ll be asked to say it.
Reorder past purchases. Say, “Alexa, reorder dish soap.” Alexa will find your most recent order of that item and ask if you want to buy it again.
Use Alexa Shopping Lists for multiple stores. You can create custom lists like “Costco” or “Target” by saying, “Alexa, create a list called Costco.” Then say, “Alexa, add paper towels to my Costco list.” This helps you plan trips to different stores.
Check your order status. Say, “Alexa, where is my order?” or “Alexa, track my package.” Alexa will provide the latest tracking information.
Cancel or return items. To cancel an order, say, “Alexa, cancel my last order” (if it hasn’t shipped yet). For returns, use the Amazon app or website—Alexa cannot process returns directly.

Common Mistakes

Not enabling voice purchasing. If you haven’t turned on purchase by voice, Alexa will only add items to your cart or list, not place orders.
Forgetting the voice code. If you set a voice code, you must say it every time you order. Forgetting it will block the purchase.
Accidental orders. Kids or guests might trigger orders. Use a voice code and disable voice purchasing when not needed.
Wrong item selected. Alexa might pick a different variant (size, color, brand) than you wanted. Always confirm the product details before saying “order.”
Assuming Alexa can order from any store. By default, Alexa only shops on Amazon. Third-party skills (like Walmart or Target) exist but require separate setup and may not support voice ordering.

Tips

Use “Alexa, add to cart” instead of “order” when you want to review items before purchasing. You can then manually check out in the Amazon app.
Create a “Subscribe & Save” plan for household essentials like toilet paper or detergent. Say, “Alexa, subscribe to coffee” to set up recurring deliveries.
Check the price before ordering. Alexa will tell you the price and shipping cost. If you’re not sure, ask “Alexa, what’s the price of [item]?”
Use an Echo Show for visual shopping. Seeing the product images and prices reduces mistakes.
Set a default payment method in your Amazon account to speed up checkout. Alexa uses the default payment method unless you specify another.
Keep your shopping list organized. Use separate lists for different stores or categories to avoid clutter.

Troubleshooting

Alexa says “Voice purchasing is not enabled.” Go to the Alexa app > Settings > Voice Purchasing and toggle it on.
Alexa can’t find the item. Be more specific. Instead of “order a battery,” say “order AA batteries, 24 pack.” You can also ask “Alexa, search for [item]” to see options.
Alexa asks for a voice code but you don’t remember it. In the Alexa app, go to Settings > Voice Purchasing > Voice Code, and reset it.
Order placed accidentally. Immediately say, “Alexa, cancel my last order.” If it’s already shipped, go to Amazon’s “Your Orders” page and start a return.
Alexa says “I can’t do that.” Make sure your device has an internet connection and that you’re using a supported device (Echo, Echo Dot, etc.). Restart the device or the Alexa app.
Payment fails. Check that your default payment method is valid and has sufficient funds. Update it in your Amazon account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Alexa shop from stores other than Amazon?
Yes, but not directly by voice. You can enable third-party skills (like Walmart or Target) and link your account, but voice ordering is limited. Most skills only add items to a list or cart.

Is it safe to let Alexa order things without a voice code?
It’s risky, especially with kids or guests. A voice code adds a layer of protection. You can also require a code for all purchases or for orders over a certain amount.

Can I return an item using Alexa?
No, Alexa cannot process returns. You need to go to Amazon’s website or app, find the order, and initiate a return.

How do I stop Alexa from ordering things?
Turn off voice purchasing in the Alexa app, or set a voice code and don’t share it. You can also delete your shopping list items manually.

Can Alexa order groceries from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods?
Yes, if you have Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods delivery available in your area. Say, “Alexa, order groceries” and follow the prompts.

What happens if I don’t specify a quantity?
Alexa will assume one unit. If you want more, say “order two boxes of cereal.”

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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