Alexa is more than just a smart speaker—it’s a powerful reading companion for people who are blind or have low vision. With simple voice commands, you can ask Alexa to read books, articles, news, and more. This guide shows how to make the most of Alexa’s reading features, with examples and tips built from experience.
1. Kindle Integration: Hands-Free Book Reading
Link your Kindle account in the Alexa app and say:
“Alexa, read [book title] from Kindle.”
Control playback with voice commands like “Pause,” “Resume,” or “Skip Chapter.” You can even set sleep timers.
Pro Tip: Enable ‘Kindle Assistive Reader’ under Accessibility settings for better support.
2. Audible Audiobooks Support
Say:
“Alexa, play my Audible book.”
Adjust speed or skip ahead with voice. Great for listening on the go.
3. Access Free Audiobooks with Skills
Enable LibriVox or link Libby/OverDrive to read library books. Say:
“Alexa, ask LibriVox to play [book title].”
4. Stay Updated with News and Articles
Get the latest by saying:
“Alexa, read my Flash Briefing.”
Use Pocket skill to read saved content.
5. Story Time for Children
Make story time fun with:
“Alexa, tell me a bedtime story.”
Perfect with Echo Show for visual support.
6. Turn Lists and Reminders into Spoken Words
Stay organized hands-free:
“Alexa, what are my reminders?”
“Alexa, read my shopping list.”
7. Hear Your Calendar Events Out Loud
Ask:
“Alexa, what’s on my calendar today?”
To hear appointments read aloud.
8. Follow Recipes and Headlines with Echo Show
Use Alexa’s voice plus screen to follow instructions—great in the kitchen.
9. Use Smart Glasses for On-the-Go Reading
Echo Frames let you hear Alexa anywhere—just speak to read books or notifications.
10. Learn Through Podcasts and Educational Content
Say:
“Alexa, play the latest episode of [podcast name].”
Keep learning while on the move.
11. Read Bookshare Titles with Alexa
Enable the Bookshare Reader skill and say:
“Alexa, open Bookshare Reader” to listen to accessible books.
12. Set Up Reading Routines
Automate playback:
“Alexa, start my evening reading.”
Set schedules for podcasts or books.
13. Whisper Mode for Quiet Reading
Say:
“Alexa, turn on Whisper Mode”
For late-night listening without waking others.
Bonus Features for Readers
Define Words Instantly
Say:
“Alexa, define [word]” or “What does [word] mean?”
Get Quick Wikipedia Summaries
Say:
“Alexa, Wikipedia [topic]” or “Look up [topic] on Wikipedia.”
Use Alexa as a Bluetooth Speaker
Say:
“Alexa, pair Bluetooth” to stream audio from other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can Alexa read PDFs or scanned documents?
A: No. Alexa cannot read scanned PDFs or protected eBooks. It works best with Kindle books that support Enhanced Typesetting or accessible formats from supported services.
Q: What are the best Alexa commands to control reading speed and playback?
A: You can say:
– “Alexa, read faster” or “read slower”
– “Alexa, go back 30 seconds” or “skip forward one minute”
– “Alexa, stop reading in 20 minutes” to set a sleep timer
Q: How do I link my Audible and Kindle accounts to Alexa?
A: Open the Alexa app, go to Settings > Music & Podcasts, and link your Audible and Kindle accounts. Once linked, Alexa can access your books and play them hands-free.
Q: How do I use Whisper Mode or reading routines with Alexa?
A: Say “Alexa, turn on Whisper Mode” to activate quiet responses. To create a reading routine, go to Alexa App > Routines, and set a trigger like “start evening routine” to begin reading automatically.
Q: Can Alexa read books for users with print disabilities like dyslexia?
A: Yes. Alexa works with skills like Bookshare Reader, LibriVox, and others that offer accessible formats for users with dyslexia or other print disabilities.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
– Alexa can’t read scanned PDFs or protected eBooks
– Only Kindle books with Enhanced Typesetting work
– Some skills may need account setup
– Email and reading list support requires linking services
Final Thoughts
Alexa turns listening into a personal experience. If you’re blind or have low vision, it can make books, news, and notes easier to access. Start simple. Try a book or briefing. You might find Alexa becomes your favorite way to read.
