Alexa & Echo guide · Based on my original video
Echo Show 5 Guide: Useful Features and Settings
A small screen changes how an Echo fits into a room. My January 2023 walkthrough used the second-generation Echo Show 5 for alarms, camera views, music and everyday household tasks. This guide explains the useful parts without treating every later Show 5 as identical.
The main takeaway
The Show 5 is most useful when its screen has a clear job: a bedside clock, kitchen timer or quick camera view. Set up that job first, then reduce the home-screen content you don't want.
Best for
Echo Show 5 owners setting up a bedside or small-room display.
Before you start
You need an exact match to a different Echo generation or software interface. Check the model and feature notes below before following older demonstrations.
Device or topic
Echo Show 5 Guide
Original walkthrough
2023-01-14
Start here
Check which Echo Show 5 you own
What helps
- A written companion to my hands-on video
- Practical setup steps and examples
- Model and software differences called out
What to know
- My video uses the second-generation model
- Streaming services and home-screen menus have changed
- A small screen is less comfortable for a busy smart-home dashboard
Check which Echo Show 5 you own
My video shows the second-generation Echo Show 5, not the third generation. Its camera, ports and speaker details should not be used as a specification sheet for another model. Many of the everyday uses carry over, but check your device before buying an adapter or stand. Both the device generation and the software experience affect which options you see. The product links here label the original model and the newer alternative separately. If you already own a Show 5, work through the settings first; there is no reason to replace it just to try a clock, alarm or music feature.
Clean up the home screen
In the video, I opened Home & Clock and then Home Content to turn off items I did not want cycling across the display. That was more useful to me than leaving every recommendation enabled. Open Settings on your own Show and look for its home-screen or content controls; Alexa+ and newer software may use a different layout. Turn off the categories you do not want, return to the home screen and see what remains. These controls do not promise to remove every promotional placement. Make a few changes at a time so it is easy to tell which setting affected the screen.
Make it useful beside the bed
A bedside Show 5 can handle alarms, reminders and a clock without taking up much space. Set a test alarm during the day and check its volume before depending on it the next morning. Adjust brightness and the available night-display settings in the room where you will use it. Do Not Disturb can reduce interruptions, but do not assume it cancels your alarms. If other people can make announcements or Drop In, review those permissions too. A display that is convenient in the kitchen may need a much quieter configuration beside somebody who is sleeping.
Use timers, conversions and shopping lists in the kitchen
The practical kitchen features are often the simplest ones. Set named timers so you know what is finishing, ask for a measurement conversion and add an item to a shopping list while your hands are busy. I also demonstrated recipe browsing in the original video. Recipe providers and layouts can change, so check the options on your device rather than expecting the same recipe screen. The small display works better close by than across a large kitchen. Keep it clear of splashes, heat and spills; this is an indoor smart display, not a waterproof kitchen appliance.
Connect music—and check video services before subscribing
Link your supported music service in the Alexa app and choose its default settings. You can request music, podcasts and supported audiobooks, then adjust the Show's volume and available sound settings. Compatible devices can also join a Multi-Room Music group. Streaming-video support needs more care: my 2023 second-generation demonstration is not a current app-compatibility list. Amazon's third-generation product page specifically says Netflix is not currently compatible with that model. Check your exact Show and the provider before paying for a subscription primarily to watch it here. A browser shortcut is also not the same as a supported native app.
View a compatible doorbell or camera
A screen lets you see a supported camera instead of only hearing a doorbell announcement. First connect the camera through its supported Alexa integration and give it a clear name. Ask to see that camera and confirm that the live view works before configuring extra alerts. A compatible Ring doorbell may offer additional announcement and live-view controls in the Alexa app. The settings available depend on the camera and integration, so a feature demonstrated with Ring should not be promised for every camera brand. If a view will not open, test the camera in its own app as well.
Understand Home Monitoring and the camera controls
On supported Echo Shows, Home Monitoring lets you access the Show's own camera feed through your Amazon account. This is different from displaying a separate doorbell camera on the screen. Enable it in the Show's camera settings only if you want that feature, then check access in the Alexa app. My original demonstration was a live-view check, not a recording system with saved security footage. Keep that distinction in mind when planning home monitoring. On the second-generation unit I demonstrated, the physical shutter blocks the camera when closed; check the camera controls on your particular device.
Keep smart-home control simple
I found the touch controls clunky in the original walkthrough. Grouping devices by room makes them easier to navigate, and a routine can reduce several taps to one action or phrase. Try a simple lamp routine first instead of turning the small screen into a control panel for every device in the house. If your main goal is a large, glanceable household dashboard, compare the Show 15 guide. If you mainly want audio and voice commands, the Dot guide may be the more useful next read. Choose the screen size around the task rather than the number of features on the box.
Sources and feature checks
More Alexa, Echo and smart-home guides
Echo Show 8 Guide: Features, Setup and Everyday UsesEcho Show 15 Guide: Dashboard, Photos and Smart HomeAlexa Privacy Settings: What I Would Check FirstCommon questions
Is this guide for the second- or third-generation Echo Show 5?
The hands-on video uses the second generation. The article identifies differences that matter when following it on newer hardware.
Can every Echo Show 5 play Netflix?
Do not assume so. Amazon currently lists Netflix as incompatible with the third-generation Show 5; check your exact model.
Can I use the Show 5 as a security camera?
Supported Home Monitoring can provide a live view from its camera when enabled. Do not assume it provides the recording history of a dedicated security camera.
Compare before you buy
Which Amazon Echo Should You Buy?Watch the full walkthrough