Amazon Dash Button Hacks

When the Amazon Dash Button first came out in early 2015, everyone thought it was an April Fool’s joke. And whilst the wi-fi connected ‘order-automators' (available to all Amazon prime members) impressed with their ease of use, they never quite caught on.

Unfortunately for Amazon, the instant gratification promised by the buttons didn’t quite live up to the hype. Yes, you can instantly re-order key household essentials, but if you’ve totally ran out, Amazon can’t get them to you any quicker than the standard 24-hour delivery period. So popping down to the local shops remains a more convenient and realistic option.

As the marketing mists cleared, everyone realised the Dash buttons were really just another way for Amazon to disconnect customers from the amount of money they’re spending. And in the spirit of rebellion, Dash button hacks started popping up all over the internet.

Whilst hacking the buttons may require a little bit of programming skill, the codes are all available online and for $5, the Dash buttons are by far the cheapest 'smart' buttons on the market (Bttn will set you back €70 and a Flic costs $90). 

Here’s our five favourite ways to reconfigure and repurpose the Dash button’s automated life:

Order pizza

The geniuses at Domino's have created a pizza-ordering API that allows you to set up a one-touch ordering service with a hacked Amazon Dash button. This article shows you how.

Sunday hangovers were never so easy.

Netflix & Chill

This ingenious hack teaches you how to fire up your Netflix and dim your Philips Hue light bulbs at the same time. Philips Hue light bulbs already let you control your lighting from your phone, but mood lighting AND Netflix are now packaged together with just the push of a button.

Track Your Baby’s Data

This was the original Dash button hack. Created by Ted Benson because he wanted to find patterns in his newborn's habits.

Build A Panic Button

Perfect if you have either elderly or vulnerable family or friends, this affordable household panic button quickly and quietly alerts you in cases of distress. The button has numerous benefits as the user can wear one and station others throughout their house.

Party!

By hacking his Gatorade Dash button, this guy created an amazing multi-coloured light show appropriately named the Amazon Dash Party Button.

Who actually drinks Gatorade anyway?

Once connected to the internet, Dash buttons are capable of limitless possibilities. That said, Amazon sure to catch on and override the technology soon so get hacking!