Web-based Alexa App to Control Your Echo from Laptop or Desktop

There is a web-based version of the Amazon Alexa app, a little-known, power user feature.  Here’s the scoop how to control Alexa over the web.

Amazon’s Echo is usually controlled by voice, but the Alexa App is necessary for setup and configuration of various features, and can be handy for selecting music, etc. 

The typical way to use the app is via your phone or tablet. But the web app can be useful.

You can access the web version of the Alexa app at alexa.amazon.com.  Make sure your Echo has been initially set up, is part of your WiFi network, and is logged onto your Amazon account.

You will be asked to sign in with your Amazon credentials.

You'll then see a web version of the same Alexa app available on your phone or tablet.  The web app gives you the same control you have over your Echo using the device app. 

Change settings.

Control what music is playing. 

Enable skills. And more.

This shows control of Amazon Echo is truly cloud-based. I had thought maybe the device-based app was going through Bluetooth or local WiFi requiring proximity.  But no - when you use the Alexa app you're communicating with the cloud - which then governs your local Alexa. This is what makes web-based control possible.

The Alexa web app can be quite handy. If I'm working on my laptop, it's much easier to switch to the Alexa app window and check something out, vs. pulling out my phone and using the app there. You gotta love a 24 inch desktop screen for convenience if you're at your desk anyway. The web app also enables control of Echo from a remote location, say for an elderly relative.

Control of Alexa via the web is another useful feature of the Amazon Echo.