The feature isn’t enabled by default, but to set it up, you need to launch the Alexa app on your mobile device or your web browser by heading to https://alexa.amazon.com. Go to Settings, select your Alexa device, and then under the General section you’ll see Follow-Up Mode – toggle the switch to On.
With Follow-Up Mode enabled, Alexa will continue to listen for another command after the first one has completed. What’s neat is you can go through a series of commands without using the wake word. You do need to wait until Alexa says each task has been completed before giving a new one. So, for example, my conversation with my Echo went something like this: Me: “Alexa, set an alarm for 8 AM tomorrow.” Alexa: “OK, 8 AM alarm set for tomorrow.” Me: “Also, create a reminder.” Alexa: “What is the reminder for?” Me: “Pick up groceries after work.” Alexa: “When should I remind you?” Me: “5 PM” Alexa: “OK, reminder set.” Me: “Now play Metallica.” Alexa: “Now shuffling songs from Metallica.” Me: “Thank you.” Alexa: “My Pleasure, that’s why I’m here.” Your results will vary, but once you start playing around with it, it’s rather amazing how you can go through a series of commands and have a conversation with Alexa. If you have your Echo set to control your smart home and IoT devices, there are more opportunities. It’s also worth noting that Follow-Up Mode doesn’t work while listening to audio including podcasts, music, or audiobooks. Or, when using your Echo to make phone calls.
Remember Privacy
Other smart speakers and digital assistants, including the ones on your phone and computer record your voice activity as well. For more on that read: How to Delete Your Voice Recordings from Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, and Cortana. And, if you want to go a step further, read our article on how to stop digital assistants from active listening. How often do you use Alexa, and have you had a better experience with it with Follow-Up Mode? Let us know in the comment section below. Comment Name * Email *
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