How to use this page
These are the phrases that work best in our home. If you speak naturally, Alexa usually understands — but sticking close to these phrases improves reliability.
Tip: If Alexa responds wrongly, try again once using the exact phrase below. If it still fails, go to Troubleshooting.
Key routines
Runs the bedtime routine. Typically used in the kitchen.
- Turns off kitchen lights
- Turns off the LG TV
- Sets heating back to Auto
If you want the TV to stay on, don’t use “goodnight” — switch off the lights manually instead.
Lights (common commands)
Turns on the kitchen lights.
Turns off the kitchen lights.
Turns on the lounge lights.
Turns off the lounge lights.
Heating (Tado)
Returns heating to the normal schedule (recommended most of the time).
Sets a target temperature. This may override the schedule temporarily.
If heating behaves unexpectedly afterwards, use: “Alexa, set the heating to auto”.
Turns heating off. Remember to turn it back to Auto later.
Plugs & devices
Some devices are smart plugs (e.g., Meross). The exact names can vary, but the structure is usually:
Example: “Alexa, turn on the Christmas lights” (if present/seasonal).
Turns the named device off.
If a command works one day and not the next: it’s often because the device is cloud-based (SmartThings/Meross) or has dropped off Wi-Fi. Check Troubleshooting.
If Alexa says “device not responding”
Do this in order:
- Repeat the command once (using the exact phrase).
- Try a nearby Alexa device (sometimes it hears better).
- If it’s a plug/device: check it has power / Wi-Fi (unplug for 10 seconds if safe).
- If it’s a light group: try controlling a single light (see Lights page).
- If lots of things fail at once: check internet/router and then go to Troubleshooting.