Did you know that some new Alexa devices can detect motion? And even if you don’t have one of the latest Alexa-enabled devices, you can always connect a motion sensor that does the job. Let’s look deeper into what this means, how it works, and the best way to use this function.
Introduction
Since its introduction in 2014, Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated intelligent personal assistant, has become integral to many homes worldwide. This technology, combined with Amazon Echo devices (learn the difference), has transformed how we control our smart homes and manage daily tasks. As voice-activated technology has improved, more features have been added, including a potentially valuable security feature: motion detection.
How Does Alexa Detect Motion?
To clarify, it’s not Alexa that detects motion but specific Alexa-compatible devices. While the Alexa device itself doesn’t contain motion detection capabilities, there are Alexa-compatible devices like the Echo Show that are equipped with a motion sensor. Other devices, like smart cameras and motion sensor accessories, can also be connected to your Alexa device and notify Alexa when motion is detected. Once Alexa knows that motion is detected, it can do cool stuff, like turn on your lights or anything else you can do with a routine.
Alexa-compatible Devices That Detect Motion
Some Alexa-compatible devices come with built-in motion sensors, such as:
- Echo Show 10: This device has a motion sensor that allows it to rotate its display to follow you as you move around a room, offering a more dynamic and interactive experience. See it on Amazon.
- Ring Video Doorbell: This smart doorbell from Ring, an Amazon-owned company, can send notifications to your Alexa device when it detects motion outside your door.
- Blink Cameras: These Alexa-compatible cameras can also alert your Alexa device when detecting motion. See it on Amazon.
*I’ll get a small percentage back by clicking the links throughout this page to purchase from Amazon. Thanks for your support
Setting up Alexa to Detect Motion
Setting up Alexa to respond to motion detection involves a few steps, including setting up the compatible device and creating a routine in your Alexa app. This routine can be customized to make Alexa do a specific action when motion is detected.
To set up a routine:
- Open the Alexa app on your phone.
- Tap on “More” at the bottom right of the screen.
- Select “Routines.”
- Tap the “+” sign to create a new routine.
- Choose what happens when motion is detected, such as Alexa saying a specific phrase or turning on lights.
This setup process allows you to create a more secure and responsive home environment.
Using Alexa’s Motion Detection Feature for Home Security
The ability of Alexa to interact with motion-detecting devices offers many possibilities for enhancing your home security. For example, you can set up a routine where if motion is detected at your front door, Alexa can turn on the lights, notify you, or even play a sound to deter potential intruders. These capabilities allow Alexa to act as a smart, intuitive security system, giving you peace of mind and adding an extra layer of safety to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Alexa have a built-in motion sensor?
Some do, but not all! A good rule of thumb is if your Echo has a camera, you can also detect motion.
2. Can Alexa turn on lights when motion is detected?
If you have smart lights and a motion detection device compatible with Alexa, you can set a routine in the Alexa app to turn on lights when motion is detected.
3. Can I use any motion sensor with Alexa?
Not all motion sensors are compatible with Alexa. Before purchasing, you should check the product information to ensure a sensor is Alexa-compatible.
Summary
In conclusion, if your Alexa device has a camera, it likely can detect motion. And if you don’t have an Alexa with a camera, you can always get a smart home device that does. Motion detection allows Alexa to be used as an effective home security tool, providing real-time alerts and responses to detected motion. We can only expect these smart features to become even more sophisticated and versatile as technology advances.
Learn more about Alexa via the Alexa Archives.
