How To Monitor Our Home With Echo Show?

Whether you want to watch your kids playing alone in the room, check up on your dog when you are away, or look at the surroundings of your house when on holiday, we can now monitor our home with Echo Show in different situations.

If you have an Echo Show, you don’t need to buy an extra camera, which can be used as a security camera. The Echo Show integrates seamlessly into a smart home setup, allowing you to connect various other security camera devices to Alexa. The Alexa Home Monitoring feature can view live feeds from the Echo Show’s built-in camera and screen, enhancing your home security. However, you may need an external camera for more advanced monitoring.

Setting Up Echo Show for Home Monitoring

Setting up your Echo Show for home monitoring allows you to watch live feeds from your device and connect with other smart home devices for a comprehensive monitoring solution. Here is how to enable it on your Alexa Device.

1. Open Settings On Your Echo Show

2. In Settings, Scroll Down To Camera

3. Enable The Home Monitoring By Using The Toggle

Follow on-screen instructions to enable monitoring. This will likely require confirmation of your Amazon account password.

Using the Alexa App for Camera View

Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet.

Click on Cameras to see all of your cameras in the house. Tap on your Echo Show to start viewing the live feed.

You can also say, “Alexa, show me [device name].” This will prompt Alexa to display the feed from your Echo Show on another Echo device with a screen.

Understanding the Limitations of Home Monitoring

While using Echo Show for home monitoring offers several benefits, it’s important to understand its limitations.

For starters, the live feed is delayed. The video is not real-time, which could be a drawback if immediate action is needed, e.g., watching a baby.

The Echo Show’s camera quality is also limited compared to dedicated security cameras from Ring or Nest. While it is adequate for basic monitoring, it might not capture finer details like a high-end security camera.

Which Echo Show Models Can Be Used For Home Monitoring?

Echo Show 5: This is the smallest model with a 5.5-inch screen. It’s compact but still supports home monitoring features.
Echo Show 8: This model provides a larger view with an 8-inch display, ideal for bigger rooms.
Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen): This model has a 10.1-inch screen and a unique motion-tracking feature. It can follow you as you move around, which makes it particularly useful for monitoring a room.
Echo Show 15: This is the largest in the lineup, with a 15.6-inch screen. It is perfect for wall mounting or placing in a central location in your home, providing an expansive view for monitoring.

Home Monitoring Feature On External Cameras

External cameras with the Echo Show enhance home security by providing additional monitoring capabilities inside and outside the house. Integrating with a home security company can enhance home security by offering professional monitoring and response services. The Echo Show allows for live viewing of various camera feeds and notifications for motion detection.

Here are examples of features you can expect:

Camera Motion Zones: This feature allows you to define specific areas within the camera’s field of view where you want to detect motion. It helps reduce false alerts by focusing on critical zones, such as doorways or driveways.
Motion Alerts: When motion is detected within the designated zones, the camera can send instant notifications to your smartphone or Alexa-enabled devices. This ensures you are immediately aware of any activity around your home.
Motion Sensitivity: You can adjust the motion detection sensitivity to avoid false alarms triggered by minor movements like swaying trees or pets. Higher sensitivity settings capture even the slightest movements, while lower sensitivity settings focus on significant activities like people.
Lights: Many external cameras come with integrated floodlights or spotlights that can be triggered by motion detection. These lights can deter potential intruders and provide better visibility for the camera to capture clear footage at night.
Siren: Some cameras have built-in sirens that can be activated manually through the app or automatically when detecting motion. The loud siren can help scare off intruders and alert neighbors to potential security breaches.
Motion Schedules: This feature allows you to set specific times for active motion detection. For example, you can enable it during the night or when you’re away from home and disable it when you’re at home to avoid unnecessary alerts.
Chimes: When motion is detected, the camera can trigger a chime sound on your Alexa devices, providing an audible alert and notifications. This can be particularly useful if you are not near your phone.

Viewing External Camera Feeds

First, to start viewing external camera feeds on the Echo Show, ensure the cameras are compatible with Alexa. Most smart devices and security cameras from major brands offer Alexa integration.

Open the Alexa app on your phone and select Cameras. Tap on the camera you want to view.

If you know which camera you want to view, you can also say, “Alexa, show [camera name].” The live feed will be displayed on the Echo Show. This lets you watch different home parts from one central device.

The Echo Show can also help view feeds from security systems and home video monitors, increasing home automation efficiency.

Enabling Motion Announcements and Live View

Motion announcements and a live video feed can be enabled for automatic alerting to see what has triggered the motion or who is outside the house.

To enable it in the app, select Cameras and select the desired camera. In the settings, toggle Motion Announcements and select on which devices it should be active.

When motion is detected, Alexa announces it on the Echo Show. You can also open a live feed anytime by asking Alexa to show the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Alexa app for monitoring my home for free?

You can use the Alexa app to monitor your home without additional charges. However, some advanced features may require a subscription to certain services.

Is it possible to control my home security system with Alexa?

Compatible home security systems can be controlled with an Alexa smart speaker. Voice commands can arm and disarm alarms, lock doors, and view camera feeds.