How to Use Alexa and Echo Show as a Security Camera

This article explains how to use an Echo Show as a security camera with Alexa, including setting up the feature and viewing a live video feed from an Echo Show in the Alexa app.

How Can I Use an Echo Show as a Security Camera?

The camera in your Echo Show is primarily meant for video calls, but it also allows the Echo Show to work as a security camera. Here’s how to enable the feature:

1. Swipe down on your Echo Show’s display.

2. Tap Settings.

3. Tap Camera.

4. Tap the Home Monitoring toggle.

5. Tap Continue.

6. Tap Continue.

7. Enter your Amazon password, and tap DONE.

8. If your Amazon account has 2FA enabled, enter the code and tap CONTINUE.

9. Tap Done.

10. Your Echo Show is now enabled to work as a security camera.

    After enabling this feature, you can prevent Home Monitoring and Drop In from being able to access the camera in your Echo Show at any time by closing the physical shutter, or you can disable the camera.

What Is Alexa Home Monitoring?

Alexa Home Monitoring is a feature that lets you use your Echo Show devices like security cameras. When this feature is on, you can use the Alexa app on your phone or tablet to view a live feed from your Echo Show. You can also view the live video feed from any other Echo Show that's connected to your Amazon account. It works a lot like the Drop-In feature, except it's designed to be a one-way security measure instead of a two-way communication method.

There is no ring or other audible alert when you activate the feature. However, a message displays on the Echo Show’s display, so anyone who happens to be looking at the device when you activate Home Monitoring will know that you’re watching. The message includes a stop button that they can tap to stop the live video feed immediately.

Here’s how to use Home Monitoring with Alexa:

1. Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.

2. Tap Devices.

3. Tap and slide the list of device types.

4. Tap Cameras.

5. Tap your Echo Show.

6. You will see a live view from your Echo Show.

7. Tap the Speaker or Mic icon to hear what’s going on near your Echo Show, or speak to anyone in the room. To stop watching the live feet, tap the back button (arrow icon) or close the app.

How Else Can You Use Alexa as a Security Camera?

In addition to using an Echo Show as a security camera, you can also connect various other security camera devices and view them through the Alexa app or directly on an Echo Show. You can connect security cameras like Blink, video doorbells like Ring, and many others to Alexa.

When you connect a camera device to Alexa, you can view it using the same method as Alexa Home Monitoring. Additional security camera devices will appear in the cameras list in the Alexa app alongside your Echo Show. You can also enable the Alexa Guard feature to receive alerts or even contact your home security company if Alexa detects an intruder.