You can combine this feature with other Alexa commands too. Let’s say you get notified that Alexa picked up the sound of a window breaking. If you have an Echo Show, you can use the Drop In feature to see right inside the room. You can even use Alexa routines to set off an alarm saying “Red Alert! Red Alert!” while it turns your lights off and on.
Alexa Guard works on all generations of these devices:
EchoEcho DotEcho Show (the one with the video screen)Echo Studio
Alexa Guard does not work on these devices:
Alexa-enabled Sonos DevicesEcho LookEcho AutoEcho TapEcho Companion devices like the Echo Link Amp
How to set up Alexa Guard
Open your Alexa app and tap the more button on the bottom right. Tap Settings.Scroll down and tap Guard.Tap Set Up Sound Detection.Toggle the Glass & Alarm buttons to ON.Now that it’s set up, you can turn guard mode on and off by saying, “Alexa, I’m leaving,” and she will answer, “Ok, I’ll start guarding now”. To disable, say, “Alexa, I’m home,” and she will reply, “OK, I’ve stopped guarding your home.”
Alexa Guard is an excellent free addition to your home security system. There’s also a premium Guard option you can purchase that will integrate with your existing security system, like a Ring doorbell. You can upgrade Guard’s functionality with the sound of barking dogs and set it to automatically connect you to emergency services if an alert is triggered.
How to enable Drop In
With Drop In, you can pop in on your own devices. You can do this with an Echo or Echo Show, the version that includes a screen. Using this feature, you can speak through the smart speaker or see through the camera with an Echo Show. First, you need to enable it:
Open your Alexa app and tap Devices at the bottom of the screen.Tap Echo & Alexa at the top left.Tap your Echo device.Tap the Settings Gear on the top right.Scroll down and select Communications.Tap Drop In.Choose your permission settings: On for permitted contacts, household only, or off.
How to use Drop In
Once you have Drop In enabled, you can use it to talk through the device or look around your room whenever you want. This could be a good deterrent if you get an alert that there was a strange noise. Here’s how to use it:
Open your Alexa App.Tap Communicate at the bottom of the screen.Tap Drop In at the top of the page.Select your Echo Show device.
The best idea is to place an Alexa-enabled device everywhere you want coverage. If your basement windows are your most likely break-in spot, make sure you park an Alexa nearby. You could also have one located near your fire alarm or CO2 detector.
Privacy precautions
There is a trade-off between having the convenience of a device like Alexa and having complete privacy in your home with no listening devices. If you want the benefits of an Echo but also want to limit Alexa’s ability to listen, you have a few options. There are some Alexa settings you can adjust to protect your privacy. You should also be aware that your cell phone is probably spying on you a lot more often than your Echo is.
Our pick for total home protection
You need professionals monitoring your home 24/7 so they can catch criminal activity that you would miss while at work, sleeping or just busy and don’t have time to watch the camera feed. Our sponsor, SimpliSafe, is the perfect solution. SimpliSafe has everything you need to protect your home with none of the drawbacks of traditional home security. It’s got an arsenal of sensors and cameras to blanket every room, window and door tailored specifically for your home. Plus, professional monitoring keeps watch and is ready to contact police, fire or medical professionals if there’s an emergency. And there’s no contract, no pushy sales guys, no hidden fees, no fine print. All this starts at $15 a month. For a limited time, get a free security camera, 20% off + a free month of monitoring.
Keep reading
15 powerful Alexa commands you’ll wish you knew about sooner 5 useful apps every senior should download
