There’s no option in the Alexa desktop or web app to add custom responses to routines. But if you can’t use the mobile app, you can still program Alexa to answer custom questions using Blueprints.
If you haven’t already created a routine, you can do so now. Just tap +, select When this happens, and create a trigger for your routine. For example, if you want Alexa to say something based on the behavior of a linked smart home device, choose Smart Home, and then choose the behavior. If you’d rather create a custom response for a voice command, choose Voice, and then type the phrase Alexa should respond to (e. g. , “Hey Alexa, am I handsome?”). If you want Alexa to say something at a particular time, choose Schedule, and then select a time. When you’re finished creating a routine, tap Save and you’ll be ready to customize Alexa’s response.
For example, when you say “Good morning,” the curtains will open, the TV and lights turn on, and Alexa will say, Today is going to be great! Once you tap Next, you’ll see a preview of what Alexa will say. If you need to make any changes, just tap the back button to return to the previous editing screen.
For example, if your trigger phrase is “‘Alexa, how do I turn on the TV?” Alexa might reply You can press the power button or wait for the magic to happen, and then trigger a Smart Home action that turns on the TV. At that point, you can add another custom Alexa response that says Ta-da! If you don’t want to add anything else, that’s okay too.
For example, if your trigger phrase is “‘Alexa, how do I turn on the TV?” Alexa might reply You can press the power button or wait for the magic to happen, and then trigger a Smart Home action that turns on the TV. At that point, you can add another custom Alexa response that says Ta-da! If you don’t want to add anything else, that’s okay too.
If you want to make the custom routine response available on all your Alexa-enabled devices, choose The device you speak to. It can take up to a minute for Alexa’s new custom response to be available on your Echo or other Alexa-enabled device.
Although there’s no Blueprints app for your phone or tablet, you don’t have to use a computer to use the tool—the Blueprints website is also optimized for your mobile web browser.
If you don’t see this option on your phone or tablet, just tap All first—you’ll see it at the top of the list now.
If it’s your first time using Blueprints, you’ll now see a quick tutorial for making a skill. Swipe or page through the screens to check out the tutorial, then click or tap the X to close it.
For example, instead of just entering, “Who’s the most beautiful cat alive?” you might also list: “Who’s the best cat alive?” “Who’s the most beautiful cat?” “Who’s the most perfect cat?” Keep your questions short and simple so Alexa can easily understand you.
If the question you choose is one that Alexa already has a programmed response to, your custom answer will become Alexa’s new default response.
After 2 or 3 minutes, ask Alexa your question and dazzle your friends with her answer!
