What Is Alexa Guard?
Beyond listening for trouble, Guard can take some basic preventative actions. If you have smart lights tied to the Alexa platform, Guard can turn them on and off at random intervals to give the appearance that you’re home. You choose which smart lights are automated, so your basement light isn’t turning on and off pointlessly.
Once enabled, you arm Guard by telling Alexa “I’m leaving” and disarm by saying “I’m home.” Your Echo will say it’s starting or stopping guarding. You’ll receive an Alexa notification on your phone, too.
Alexa Guard Isn’t a Monitored Security System, But it’s Helpful
This is something to keep in mind. Alexa Guard won’t contact the police or fire department for you. For example, let’s say you’re at the theater and your phone is set to do not disturb. If your house catches fire or a burglar smashes all your windows, you won’t receive the notifications. It may be too late to notify the police or fire department by the time you do see the notifications.
Smoke alarms are an essential part of every home, but they do little good when you leave home—unless you spend over $100 per unit replacing your existing alarms with a smart version like Nest Protect. With Alexa Guard, you have a chance of being notified about a fire or a home intruder with just an Echo. Should your Echo have a camera (like the Echo Show), you can use the Drop In feature to see what’s happening before calling emergency services.
Home security is just as much about prevention and reaction. Deterring a home invasion is better than interrupting one. That’s why security systems encourage you to put out a “Protected by” sign: thieves prefer the lowest hanging fruit. Guard’s smart light integration makes it look like you’re home, and that’s helpful.
Some Security Systems Work with Guard
While Alexa Guard isn’t a security system itself, it can work together with some monitored security systems. Guard can forward your alarm notifications to your security service—along with recorded audio—if you choose to enable this option.
It’s a good idea to get in contact with your security system to learn if it works with Alexa Guard and what steps are necessary on your part.
How to Use Alexa Guard
Before you can arm and disarm Alexa Guard, you have to enable it. Start by opening the Alexa app on your phone. Tap the hamburger menu in the upper left corner.
Tap “Settings” in the menu sidebar.
Scroll down the list of options until you see “Guard” and tap on it.
Next, tap “Set Up Guard,” and you’ll be prompted to enable glass detection, smoke detection, and smart light randomization. Tap “Add” for each thing you want to enable.
After you enable randomized smart lights, provide your ZIP code (to determine when sunset is) and choose which lights to randomize. You’ll find some lights selected automatically. Check any you want to add and uncheck any you don’t want in the rotation. Tap “Continue” once you’ve chosen your lights.
Finally, tap “Confirm” to finish the setup process.
When you’re ready to leave the house, say “Alexa, I’m leaving,” and Alexa Guard will arm. When you get home tell Alexa “I’m home” and Guard will disarm. You’ll receive notifications on your phone when Guard turns on and off.
Once you understand what Alexa Guard does, it’s quite powerful. Without having to buy glass breaking sensors or smart thermostats, you get on-the-go notifications from your home. It won’t solve every worst-case scenario. But, whether or not you’re using a monitored security system now, it can give you some extra peace of mind.
