Talking tech since 2003

Recently, we bought two Amazon Dash Buttons for our apartment — these little buttons let you purchase items on Amazon with, you guessed it, the press of a button. You literally only need to lift a single finger and Amazon will ship you whatever it is that button is for–in our case, we got a Smartwater button and a Bounty button. But they have buttons for all types of consumer goods ranging from household supplies, personal/hygiene products, beverage and grocery items, baby products, pet supplies, and more.

A sample of the Amazon Dash Button selection.
A sample of the Amazon Dash Button selection.

So each button costs $4.99 but the cost of the button is credited towards your first purchase with it, essentially making it free. Once you order one (or many) you wait for the Amazon gods to deliver it to your doorstep. Now that you have it in your hot little hands, it’s time to set it up (which is super difficult–just kidding–it’s simple). Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Approximately 2-5 minutes of free time per button. We budgeted 10–you know, just to be safe.
  • The Amazon app on your phone.
  • Your WiFi password.
  • The ability to follow some basic instruction.

Go to the Settings section in the Amazon app and scroll down until you see “Dash Devices,” then click on “Setup a new device.”

Amazon app settings.
Amazon app settings.

Next you need to select the one labeled Dash Button. It’s also the one that actually looks like what you’re holding in your hand.

Select the [small] Dash button.
Select the [small] Dash button.
Now you’re getting really close to when you’ll need your WiFi password so it’s a good time to start praying you can actually remember what you set. Tap on “Agree and Get Started.”

You have to agree if you want to use it.
You have to agree if you want to use it.

Alright now that you have signed your life away. Kidding, you didn’t. Wait, did you? I didn’t read the terms… anyway.

Press that button. So close!
Press that button. So close!

And that’s pretty much it, you’ll need the WiFi password at this point. Go ahead, enter that in. And now we’re ready to configure the options! Under the “Manage Devices” section for the Dash Button you’ll see your recently configured Dash Buttons. Tap on one of them and you’ll be presented with the ability to choose the specific product you want as well as shipping options.

The Dash Button manage screen. Oooh Ahhhh.
The Dash Button manage screen. Oooh Ahhhh.

Tapping on one of the Dash Buttons looks like this (though if you made it this far you’ve likely already tapped on whatever button you have). From this screen you can also deactivate the button from being able to used. You can also enable multiple orders–by default the Dash Button will only place one order at a time (so if you press it multiple times you won’t be charged multiple times) and won’t allow you to order again with it until the previous order has been delivered. Good if you have kids or live in a house with terrible communication or both.

Sweet paper towel goodness!
Sweet paper towel goodness!

So far I love these little gadgets and I haven’t even pressed one of the buttons yet, but you can bet I’m counting down the days until I’ll be able to order something with the press of a button and then have it magically show up a few days later.

Oh, Amazon, what ways will you think of next to ensure we keep spending money with you?

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