What to know before you enable Alexa Guard

Title: Essential Facts About Alexa Guard:

Is It Worth Enhancing Your Smart Home Security with Amazon’s Voice Service?

Alexa Guard is a convenient and innovative smart home security solution offered by Amazon that allows Alexa devices to detect potential emergencies, such as glass breaking or smoke alarm sounds. However, before enabling this feature, it is essential to understand its functionality, limitations, and alternatives.

1. Functionality: While Alexa can identify potential emergencies, its sensitivity may result in false alarms due to loud noises like thunderstorms or pets jumping onto windowsills. Moreover, Alexa can only detect glass breaking and smoke alarm sounds; other types of emergencies, such as intrusions or carbon monoxide leaks, are not covered.

2. Testing: To ensure accurate detection, simulate glass breaking or smoke alarm situations before enabling Alexa Guard. This will help you assess the system’s performance and minimize potential false alarms.
3. Settings: Enabling Alexa Guard involves several steps within the Alexa app. First, go to Settings > Guard and Family Orders and ensure both Guard and Helpline are enabled. Additionally, associate a valid emergency contact number with your Amazon account under Your Account > PersonalVestions > Emergency Contact Information.
4. Limitations: Alexa Guard has limitations, as it cannot distinguish between genuine emergencies and false alarms. Consequently, unnecessary emergency service contacts may occur, leading to potential confusion or frustration.
5. Comparison: When considering Alexa Guard, evaluate alternatives such as traditional alarm systems or dedicated smart home security solutions like Nest Secure or SimpliSafe. These alternatives offer more extensive security features and can be customized according to individual needs.
6. Cost: Alexa Guard is free for Amazon Prime members, but certain features, such as emergency response, require a paid subscription. This can include an Echo Auto or an Alexa-enabled device at home.
7. Differentiation: While Alexa Guard offers a convenient and cost-effective security solution, it cannot differentiate between glass breaking and other sounds, potentially triggering false alarms. Therefore, consider the specific needs and requirements of your household before deciding on this feature.

By understanding these essential facts about Alexa Guard, you can make an informed decision about whether it is worth enhancing your smart home security with Amazon’s voice service.