Do you have home security concerns but don’t want to pay for a full-service system? Your Amazon Echo device and Alexa Guard have free and subscription-based options which can help.
How to Set Up Alexa Guard
Setting up Alexa Guard is easy. First, you’ll need to install the Amazon Alexa app on your Android or iOS device.
- In your Amazon Alexa app, tap the More button in the lower right corner.
- Tap Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Guard.
- From here, tap the settings gear icon in the upper right corner.
Free Alexa Guard Options
Tap to enter the settings section under any of the following free options. We'll list subscription-based Guard Plus options later in this article.
Sound Detection
When you’re away, Alexa can send a notification to your phone when detecting breaking glass or alarms.
- Tap to enable Smoke & CO Alarm Sounds.
- Tap to enable Glass Break.
Before you leave, just say “Alexa, I’m leaving.” Alexa will give you 60 seconds to exit before arming the alert. When you’re back, say “Alexa, I’m home.”
Away Lighting
When you’re away after dark, Alexa will turn your smart lights on and off to make it seem like somebody is home. Alexa will start the service after sunset, and will know when sunset begins in your area based on your zip code.
- Tap to enable Away Lighting.
- Enter your zip code.
- Tap the back arrow.
Checkboxes enable your available smart lights listed under the LIGHTS section, including plugs and switches. There's a link under this section that helps you designate devices under Alexa as lights. For example, you can plug a regular lamp into a smart plug and designate that smart plug as a light.
Security System
Do you already have a security system? Guard can enable it for you when you’re away, and send alerts to that provider. It must be a system that Guard supports.
Subscription-Based Alexa Guard Plus Options
Guard Plus options are $4.99 per month, or $49 for an annual subscription (an 18% savings). You can try it for free for 30 days.
Under each Guard Plus section, tap LEARN MORE to activate. The app will take you to a site to subscribe.
Emergency Helpline
In an emergency, say “Alexa, call for help.” You’ll speak with a trained agent who can help, or can call 911 for you if necessary. Make sure you enter your home address under this setting so dispatchers know where to send help.
Dog Barking Sounds
Concerned about security but don't have a dog? Enable Dog Barking Sounds, and select an exterior device with motion-sensing capabilities (such as a smart doorbell). When Alexa detects motion, a dog barking sound will play to deter anyone lurking
outside.
Activity Sounds With Siren
When you enable this alert, you’ll set up a voice code. Anyone who knows this code can disable the alarm.
Alexa will request the code when detecting footsteps, closing door sounds, or talking while in away mode. If you’re still home you can speak the code, or if you have an Echo Show you can enter the code on a keypad. Otherwise, your Echo will sound an alarm and send an alert to your smartphone. There’s a slider bar to adjust the detection sensitivity.
During an alert, your smartphone app will provide the opportunity to drop-in on an Echo Show. That's a video call to see who is in your house.
Stay Safe With Peace of Mind and Alexa Guard
Guard may not make your home as secure as a professional home security system, but It can be an inexpensive, effective deterrent against home intrusion. At the very least it can provide valuable peace of mind while you’re away.