One of the lesser known options on Amazon Echo speakers is Alexa Guard, a security feature that uses microphone audio to pick up intruders or alarms. Here’s a guide to using Alexa Guard and the benefits of upgrading to the more robust Alexa Guard Plus.
Also see: How to use Amazon Alexa
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Alexa Guard is a US-only feature of Alexa speakers that listens for the sound of breaking glass or smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you pay for Alexa Guard Plus, sound detection extends to things like footsteps and closing doors, and emergency response options become available. To get started with Alexa Guard, open the Alexa app, select the More tab, then Settings. Scroll down and tap guard. Follow the directions.
SKIP TO IMPORTANT SECTIONS
What is AlexaGuard?
Usually the only thing Echo speakers listen to continuously is a wake word for voice commands. With the basic version of Alexa Guard enabled, speakers can listen for the sound of breaking glass or smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You will receive a notification from the Alexa mobile app if this happens.
To deter intruders, you can also configure Guard to enable smart lighting linked to Alexa, and/or connect it to security systems from ADT, Abode, Scout and Amazon’s own Ring.
Enabling Guard is quite simple, although it is currently limited to the 50 US states. In the Alexa app for android or iOS:
- Press More tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Select guard. You will have to scroll through the list a bit.
- Tap Set sound detection and follow the directions.
Please note that you must arm Alexa Guard when you leave the house, and disarm it when you return (more on this later). You’ll probably also need multiple Echo devices, since Guard in your living room won’t help much if someone breaks in through the kitchen window.
Alexa Guard vs Alexa Guard Plus
Amazon also offers a paid upgrade of Alexa Guard, Alexa Guard Plus. After a one-month trial, it costs $4.99 per month, or $49 per year, with the latter option saving 18% if you’re ready for an annual commitment. It’s included for free with Ring Protect Pro plans, as long as you link your Ring and Amazon accounts. Ultimately, you get Guard Plus bundled with security plans from Abode, Scout, Resideo, A3 Smart Home, or Wyze.
Here’s what Alexa Guard Plus adds:
- More sound detection categories, such as footsteps, talking and door closing.
- Smart alerts (notifications) with audio recordings, a live listening option, and/or the ability to call the Amazon-operated emergency hotline or forward information to a supported security provider.
- 24/7 access to the emergency helpline, either through the Alexa app or by saying “Alexa, call for help” for an Alexa-enabled speaker. Helpline workers can request emergency services, such as the police or fire brigade. You cannot call those services directly.
- Dogs barking sounds when a compatible camera sees movement outside. These include products from Arlo, August, Blink and Ring.
- Siren sounds when an intruder is detected inside. You should disable Smart Alerts activity if you have pets, as Guard has no way of filtering out pet noises from people.
How to set up Alexa Guard Plus
You can register via Amazon’s website, or say “Alexa, try Guard Plus” to an Echo. You still need to configure Alexa Guard through the Alexa mobile app, including adding a home address and activating your subscription. The address is needed so rescuers know where to go.
How to enable and disable Alexa Guard
Usually Alexa Guard is set to enable (switch to Away mode) when you say Alexa “I’m leaving” and disarm (switch to House mode) when you say “I’m home”. Make sure you’re really ready to go when you turn on, as there’s a chance your activity could cause false alerts. That’s especially true if you’ve enabled Guard Plus’ additional sound detection options.
If those sentences don’t work or you want to turn them into something else, you can fix things through the Alexa app’s More > Routines menu. You will find the phrases listed there if they are active. Also remember that you can use Alexa Guard as a trigger or action in routines – for example you could have Guard turned off when you unlock the front door.
Read: Using Alexa Routines
Which Echo devices support Alexa Guard?
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Virtually all Echo devices support Alexa Guard, which dates back to the first generation. The only exceptions are the Echo Look, Echo portable products (the Echo Auto, Echo Buds, and Echo Tap), and companion devices like the Echo Amp or Echo Sub. Guard is also working on Amazon’s first robot, the Astro.
Read more: The best Alexa devices
Frequently Asked Questions
This is probably due to its complexity. Even expanding into Canada or the UK would require development resources, collaboration with local security firms, and dedicated emergency helpline teams. It might eventually happen, but Amazon is starting with its most lucrative market.
If you want Guard Plus as a free add-on, you’ll need to sign up for Ring Protect Pro at ring.com, or alternatively, a 1st generation Ring Protect Plus subscription.
If that’s in place, all you need to do is link your Ring and Amazon accounts, which you’ve probably already done if you have both Ring and Echo devices. When you activate Guard in the Alexa app, you will be guided through the Guard Plus setup.
Yes, but if you sign up for Guard Plus, you will want to disable Smart Alerts for activities. Otherwise, the sounds of cats, dogs or birds could trigger Plus’ extended sound detection.
No. There are legal reasons, but in addition Amazon probably wants to prevent people from abusing those services.
If there is a real threat, you will have to call emergency services manually or use Amazon’s Emergency Helpline (see earlier for details). The latter is only available to those with Guard Plus, a verified phone number associated with Alexa and Alexa Communications enabled in the Alexa app.
If you have a child who could accidentally call for help, make sure to turn off Communications for any personal Echo devices they have. You do this via the settings of a device in the Alexa app.