How to Manage Shopping Lists with Alexa

Managing shopping lists with Alexa is a simple process. I can do something else while adding items to be picked up from the store with my voice.

You can create a basic shopping list and manage multiple lists for different purposes or stores. It’s available on my smartphone, and I can access it anytime, anywhere.

Have you made use of Alexa shopping lists before?

If not, let me show you how.

Manage Shopping Lists with the Alexa App

Managing shopping lists with Alexa in the Alexa app is easy. All you need is a smartphone compatible with the Alexa application. Once you’ve added items using your voice or through the app directly, you might want to view these items later to organize your shopping trip.

Here’s how to do it using the Alexa app:

I open the Alexa app on your smartphone. I tap the More button, scroll down, and select Lists & Notes. This is where all lists are stored. Tap on the list if you have one.

Once inside the list, you can add new or remove items. To add an item, tap Add Item button.

To remove an item, tap the checkbox next to it, which crosses it off the list. If you want to delete it permanently, I swipe left on the item and tap the Delete button.

Create A New Shopping List In The Alexa App

Adding a new shopping list is simple: Go back to the Lists & Notes screen, tap Create List, and give a list name.

Once the list is added, you start adding items to it immediately.

Alternatively, you can use voice commands to add to the later date when you are away from your phone. You can say, “Alexa, add milk to my [name] shopping list.” Alexa confirms by saying that milk has been added to my shopping list.

Can I Add Multiple Items To the Alexa Shopping List?

You can add multiple items to my Alexa shopping list with voice commands.

I can say, “Alexa, add eggs, milk, and bread to my shopping list,” Alexa will add all three items simultaneously. This eliminates the need to repeat the ‘add to shopping list’ command for each item. Alexa will confirm that the items have been added, providing a seamless and efficient way to keep track of my shopping needs.

How To Delete Your Alexa Shopping List?

To delete an existing list from the Lists & Notes view, click on the list, then a three-dot icon in the top right corner, and tap Archive List. This will send the list to the archive.

To delete it permanently, you can View Archive and hit Delete All to remove all lists in the Archive.

Please note that it is possible to restore a list from the Archive, but once deleted from there, it is deleted permanently and cannot be recovered anymore.

Can I Order Items From Alexa? 

Depending on your location, ordering items from your shopping list may also be possible. To utilize Alexa for ordering items on your shopping list, ensure you’ve configured voice purchasing in advance.

Here’s what you need to have in place to order through Alexa:

An active Amazon account with a subscription to Amazon Prime.
Amazon’s 1-Click ordering should be enabled on your account.
A U.S. shipping address and a valid payment method must be associated with your account.
The Prime Now app must be installed to purchase groceries from Whole Foods shop.

Place An Order Via the Alexa

To place an order using Alexa, here are the rough steps you need to follow:

Start by giving Alexa a voice command for the item you want to purchase. Say something like, “Alexa, order eggs.” If you need more than one of the same item, specify the quantity by saying, “Alexa, order two packs of 12 eggs.”
If it’s a product you’ve ordered previously, Alexa may suggest reordering the same item. Alexa can offer options such as current deals or Amazon’s Choice products if it’s a new purchase. When Alexa confirms if you’re ready to proceed with the purchase, respond with “Yes” to add the item to your shopping cart.
If prompted, provide your PIN or authorization code for shopping. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized purchases. Once your PIN or code is verified, Alexa will complete the transaction through Amazon’s checkout process, and your order will be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manage shopping lists with Alexa on a computer?

Yes, I can access and edit my Alexa shopping list on a computer by visiting the Amazon website and signing into my Amazon account. From there, I can navigate to my Alexa lists under “Your Lists” and make any necessary changes.

How can I synchronize my Alexa shopping list with my iPhone?

To synchronize my Alexa smart speakers shopping list with my iPhone, I downloaded the Alexa app from the App Store, signed into my Amazon account, and accessed my shopping list within the app. Changes made via my iPhone are automatically updated across all my Alexa service devices.

Which grocery list apps are compatible with Alexa for seamless integration?

Several grocery list apps like AnyList, Todoist, and Cozi can seamlessly integrate with Alexa. These apps offer the ability to add items to my shopping list by voice and access the list via their respective apps.

What troubleshooting steps can I take if Alexa fails to add items to my shopping list?

If Alexa fails to add items to my shopping list, I first check my Wi-Fi connection and ensure my device has internet access. I can also try speaking more clearly or rephrasing my request. If issues persist, I might restart my Alexa-enabled device and check for any software updates.