You can use Amazon Alexa with Home Connect in just a few steps. If you still do not know how to proceed, you can find information on the setup, the voice commands with which you can control the Home Connect appliances and frequently asked questions about Amazon Alexa in conjunction with Home Connect.
Connecting Alexa to Home Connect in three steps
Step 1: Link the home appliance
If you already have a Home Connect user account, make sure that all your home appliances are connected to this account. To create a new user account, download the Home Connect iOS or Android app from the relevant app stores. After successful registration, link it to your home appliances. To do this, follow the instructions in the app or read the insert which comes with your Home Connect appliances.
Step 2 Connect Amazon Echo to your user account
Make sure that your Amazon Echo is linked to your Amazon user account. Log in via your Alexa app or at alexa.amazon.ca and check your settings.
Step 3: Activate skill
Visit the Alexa Skill Store and search for "Home Connect" skills. Activate the desired skill and log in using your Home Connect user details. Your Home Connect appliances are now linked to Amazon Echo via your user account and you can get started.
Frequently asked questions relating to Amazon Alexa with Home Connect
What can I do if Alexa doesn't understand what I'm saying?
Communication with Alexa is based on a couple of basic rules. When you launch a skill, for instance, phrases such as "my Home Connect oven" can lead to errors. It is therefore better to play it safe by selecting a direct command (e.g. "Alexa, start Home Connect oven").
Sometimes you may use words or phrases that are not yet saved in the system. Simply rephrase your request and try again. However, in the background, we are continually updating and improving the system with each new version.
Can I say "oven" or "washing machine" instead of "Home Connect oven" or "Home Connect washing machine"?
No. If you want to give a voice command to your washing machine, for instance, you have to say "Alexa, ask Home Connect washing machine when the laundry will be finished." Your Amazon Echo needs the word "Alexa" to wake up, while "Home Connect washing machine" is the keyword for addressing your Bosch Home Connect washing machine.
How do I active the remote control and switch on functions?
All Home Connect appliances need to be approved for remote control by the user. Please refer to the relevant user manual to find out how this works for each home appliance.
In which countries are skills currently supported?
The Home Connect oven and washing machine skills are currently available in the Canada, US, UK, Germany and Austria. Other countries will follow shortly.
Can I also use an Amazon Echo to control my home appliances?
In short – yes. Amazon Echo Dot offers the same basic voice interaction function as Amazon Echo: Both use the Amazon Alexa voice service.
Which functions do Home Connect skills support?
Initially, the most commonly used home appliance functions will be available via voice control, such as switching on and off, starting a favourite program and checking the status. We will add a number of other options during the upcoming year.
The oven skill supports starting the following heating modes in particular: Top/bottom heating and 4D hot air, including fast preheat. You can also set and change the temperature and time and request the oven status, i.e. remaining time, selected heating mode and temperature, and stop the oven.
The coffee machine skill will in future support starting the following programs in particular: Espresso, espresso macchiato, coffee, cappuccino, latte macchiato and white coffee. You can also set the coffee strength and filling capacity and request the appliance status.
