Key takeaways:
- Amazon Echo Show devices don’t have a traditional app store, but you can enable skills to add functionality
- Some popular video streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video are available as native apps on Echo Show
- You can sideload Android apps on the Echo Show 15 using a workaround, but this is not officially supported
The Amazon Echo Show is a versatile smart display that can help you manage your daily tasks, control your smart home devices, and provide entertainment. While the Echo Show doesn’t have a traditional app store like smartphones, it does offer a variety of ways to extend its functionality through skills and native apps. In this article, we’ll explore how you can download and install apps on your Amazon Echo Show device.
Table of Contents
Understanding Alexa Skills
Alexa skills are like apps for your Echo Show. They are voice-driven capabilities that enhance your device’s functionality. There are thousands of skills available, ranging from games and trivia to news and productivity tools. To enable a skill:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone
- Tap on the “More” tab in the bottom right corner
- Select “Skills & Games”
- Browse or search for the skill you want to enable
- Tap on the skill and then click “Enable to Use”
Some popular skills include:
- Big Sky for detailed weather forecasts
- Allrecipes for step-by-step cooking guides
- Headspace for guided meditation sessions
- Jeopardy! for daily trivia games
Native Apps on Echo Show
In addition to skills, some Echo Show models come with native apps for popular video streaming services. These apps are pre-installed on your device and don’t require any additional setup. Some examples include:
- Prime Video (available on all Echo Show models)
- Netflix (available on Echo Show 8 and 10)
- Hulu (available on Echo Show 8 and 10)
- YouTube (via the Silk web browser)
To access these apps, simply say “Alexa, open [app name]” or tap on the app icon from the home screen.
Sideloading Android Apps (Echo Show 15)
The Echo Show 15 runs on a modified version of the Fire OS, which is based on Android. This means that you can sideload Android apps (APKs) on your Echo Show 15, although this method is not officially supported by Amazon.
To sideload an app, you’ll need to use a combination of the Downloader app and a file manager like X-plore. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Install the Downloader app from the Amazon Appstore
- Open Downloader and enter the URL of the APK file you want to install
- Once the APK is downloaded, install and open the X-plore file manager app
- In X-plore, navigate to the “Download” folder and select the APK file
- Click “Install” to begin the installation process
Keep in mind that not all Android apps are optimized for the Echo Show’s screen size and resolution, so your mileage may vary.
Managing Your Apps
To view and manage your installed skills and apps, follow these steps:
- Swipe down from the top of your Echo Show’s screen
- Tap on “Settings” and then select “Apps”
- Here, you can see a list of your installed skills and apps
- To uninstall a skill or app, tap on it and then select “Disable Skill” or “Uninstall”
You can also manage your skills from the Alexa app on your smartphone. Simply go to the “Skills & Games” section, tap on “Your Skills,” and then select “Disable Skill” for the ones you want to remove.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble downloading or installing apps on your Echo Show, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure your Echo Show is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network
- Restart your device by unplugging it and then plugging it back in
- Check for software updates in the device settings
- Clear the cache and data for the Alexa app on your smartphone
- Contact Amazon customer support for further assistance
FAQ
Can I install any Android app on my Echo Show?
While it’s possible to sideload Android apps on the Echo Show 15, not all apps are compatible or optimized for the device. Stick to apps from trusted sources and be prepared for potential performance issues.
How do I find new skills for my Echo Show?
You can browse and search for skills directly from the Alexa app on your smartphone. Go to the “Skills & Games” section and explore the various categories or use the search bar to find specific skills.
Can I use my Echo Show to make video calls?
Yes, you can use your Echo Show to make video calls to other Echo Show devices, the Alexa app, or Skype contacts. Simply say “Alexa, call [contact name]” or select the “Communicate” option from the home screen.
How do I control smart home devices with my Echo Show?
To control smart home devices with your Echo Show, you’ll first need to set them up using the Alexa app on your smartphone. Once set up, you can use voice commands or the smart home dashboard on your Echo Show to control your devices.
Can I watch YouTube videos on my Echo Show?
While there isn’t a native YouTube app for the Echo Show, you can still watch YouTube videos using the built-in Silk web browser. Simply say “Alexa, open Silk” and then navigate to the YouTube website.
By understanding the different ways to download and install apps on your Amazon Echo Show, you can unlock the full potential of your smart display. Whether you’re using skills, native apps, or sideloading Android apps, there are plenty of options to customize your Echo Show experience.
