Sight loss resources Daily living tips Digital skills

Using Alexa to find out information & facts

Published on 7 Nov 2022

Alexa has access to all the information available on the internet. You can ask her literally anything you might want to know.

Whether you want to find out about a historical event or you're wondering what year a song came out, all you have to do is ask.

In this article, find out how to use Alexa as an endless source of information.

New to Alexa? Find out more about getting started.

Asking Alexa for information

Alexa can tell you almost anything you want to know. Try asking the sample questions below, then move on to anything else you're curious about.

'Alexa, what is the population of New York?'

'Alexa, tell me about the Second World War'

'Alexa, how many species of birds are there?'

'Alexa, what is the best cure for a cold?'

Using Wikipedia with Alexa

Alexa gives you access to Wikipedia, an online encyclopaedia. It can be a great first step in finding information about any topic you can think of.

Beware that almost anyone can contribute to Wikipedia, so some of the information on the site may be incorrect. But there is a process for fact-checking material, so much of the content will be accurate.

All you need to do is say, 'Alexa, Wikipedia' and then the subject you want to find out about. Try saying:

'Alexa, Wikipedia Blind Veterans UK'
'Alexa, Wikipedia the Battle of Britain'
'Alexa, Wikipedia human evolution'

To explore the Wikipedia website, click on the link below.

Go to Wikipedia

An Echo Show with the echo icon and listening bar displayed

Always ask if you’re unsure of something

There’s no such thing as a silly question. If you are a Blind Veterans UK beneficiary and need more information, call our helpline on 0300 111 22 33.

If you are not yet a Blind Veterans UK beneficiary, you can find more information in our urgent help section.

You can also get advice about sight loss from the RNIB. Contact the RNIB helpline on 0303 123 9999, email them or say ‘Alexa, call RNIB helpline’ to an Alexa-enabled device.