Turn your Amazon Echo Show into a security camera. Here’s how
Introduction:
The Amazon Echo Show is a versatile device that comes with an array of impressive features, including the ability to function as a security camera. Not only can you use this smart speaker to play music or manage your smart home devices, but you can also enhance your home security system. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions to turn your Amazon Echo Show into a security camera.
Step 1: Update Your Devices
To get started, ensure that both your Amazon Echo Show and the devices you want to pair it with are updated to their latest software versions. This can be done by visiting the ‘Device Software Updates’ page on the Alexa app or checking for updates directly on your devices.
Step 2: Enable Drop-In
Drop-In is an Alexa communication feature that allows you to access your Amazon Echo Show’s camera and microphone remotely. To enable it, follow these steps:
1. Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the ‘Devices’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Choose ‘Echo & Alexa’ from the list.
4. Select your Amazon Echo Show device.
5. Scroll down and tap on ‘Communications.’
6. Turn on ‘Allow Drop In.’
Step 3: Grant Drop-In Permissions
Once Drop-In is enabled, you need to grant specific permissions for other accounts or devices in your household. To do this:
1. Go back to the main screen of the Alexa app.
2. Tap on ‘Communicate.’
3. Tap on ‘Drop In.’
4. Adjust the settings for individual devices by choosing ‘My Household’ or selecting specific
contacts from your list.
Step 4: Set Up Echo Show as a Security Camera
After enabling Drop-In and granting permissions, follow these steps:
1. Position your Amazon Echo Show in an area you want to monitor, ensuring that the camera has a clear view.
2. Double-check that both the Echo Show and your smartphone are connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone.
4. Tap on ‘Communicate.’
5. Choose ‘Drop In.’
Step 5: Access Your Echo Show’s Camera Feed
Once you have set up the Echo Show as a security camera, you can access the live video feed anytime using Drop-In:
1. Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone or another compatible device.
2. Tap on ‘Communicate.’
3. Select ‘Drop In.’
4. Choose the Amazon Echo Show from the list of devices.
You’ll now be able to view real-time footage from your Echo Show’s camera, turning it into an effective security tool for your home.
Conclusion:
Turning your Amazon Echo Show into a security camera is an easy process that requires just a few steps. By enabling Drop-In and granting permissions, you can access your device’s camera remotely and monitor crucial areas of your home with ease. Make the most of this smart device and fortify your home’s security system today!