Have you ever wished you could have your favorite books read to you by a soothing voice at the end of a long day? Well, if you have an Amazon Alexa device, you’re in luck! Alexa has the ability to read books aloud from your Kindle library or Audible account. With a few simple commands, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite stories without lifting a finger.
How to Get Alexa to Read Books
Before we dive into the step-by-step tutorial, it’s important to understand what this process will accomplish. By following these steps, you’ll enable your Alexa device to read books from your Kindle or Audible library. This feature is perfect for those who enjoy audiobooks or for anyone who wants to enjoy a book without straining their eyes.
Step 1: Set Up Your Device
Make sure your Alexa device is set up and connected to Wi-Fi.
Setting up your Alexa is the first step to getting started. If you haven’t done this already, you’ll need to download the Alexa app on your smartphone and follow the instructions to connect your Alexa device to your Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Link Your Accounts
Link your Amazon account that has your Kindle or Audible books to your Alexa device through the Alexa app.
In the Alexa app, navigate to the settings and link your Amazon account where your Kindle or Audible books are stored. This will allow Alexa to access your library and read your books.
Step 3: Choose a Book
Select a book from your Kindle or Audible library that you want Alexa to read.
You can choose any book that you have purchased or borrowed from your Kindle or Audible library. Keep in mind that Alexa can read most books, but there may be some limitations with certain titles due to publisher restrictions.
Step 4: Give the Command
Say, “Alexa, read [book title]” or “Alexa, read my book from Kindle/Audible.”
Simply give the command to Alexa, and she will start reading the book you selected. If you have multiple Alexa devices, make sure to specify which one you want to use for reading.
After completing these steps, Alexa will begin reading the book you selected. You can use voice commands to pause, resume, or stop the reading. You can also ask Alexa to skip to the next chapter or go back to the previous one. It’s a hands-free way to enjoy your favorite books anytime.
Tips for Listening to Books with Alexa
Here are some tips to enhance your listening experience with Alexa:
- Use headphones or connect Alexa to a speaker for better sound quality.
- Adjust the reading speed by saying, “Alexa, read faster” or “Alexa, read slower.”
- If you want to take a break, say, “Alexa, pause” and later, “Alexa, resume my book.”
- To navigate chapters, say, “Alexa, next chapter” or “Alexa, previous chapter.”
- For a more immersive experience, ask Alexa to play background music while reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Alexa read any book?
Alexa can read most books from your Kindle or Audible library, but some titles may not be available due to publisher restrictions.
Do I need to buy the audiobook version for Alexa to read it?
No, Alexa can read the text from Kindle books without the need for the audiobook version. However, she can also play audiobooks from Audible.
Can I listen to books on multiple devices?
Yes, you can listen to books on any Alexa-enabled device that is linked to your Amazon account.
Will Alexa remember where I left off?
Yes, Alexa will remember your place in the book, so you can pick up right where you left off.
Can I control the volume of Alexa’s reading?
Yes, you can adjust the volume by saying, “Alexa, volume up” or “Alexa, volume down.”
Summary
- Set up your Alexa device.
- Link your Amazon account to Alexa.
- Choose a book from your library.
- Ask Alexa to read the book.
Conclusion
In a world where multitasking has become second nature, being able to have Alexa read books to you is a game-changer. Not only does it allow you to enjoy literature hands-free, but it also makes books more accessible to those who might have difficulty reading text. Whether you’re cooking dinner, settling in for the night, or simply looking to rest your eyes, Alexa’s reading feature can help you make the most of your time.
Imagine being able to absorb the latest bestseller while doing household chores or learning from a self-help book during your daily workout. The potential for multitasking is vast, and it’s all made possible by this innovative feature. So, give it a try, and let Alexa transform your reading experience. Who knows? Your favorite digital assistant might just become your favorite storyteller, too.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.