Sound Detection FAQs

1. What sounds can Alexa detect?

Alexa Emergency Assist can detect and notify you about the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, and glass breaking.

2. What happens when Alexa detects a selected sound?

If a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is activated Alexa will send a Smart Alert to your phone that includes an audio recording of the detected event so you can take action if you’re away from home. Tapping the notification opens the Alexa app where you can play back what Alexa heard or Drop In for live audio. If you need emergency help, you can tap the icon to call Urgent Response.

3. How does Alexa detect selected sounds?

Echo devices use the same technology used to detect the wake word (https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=23608571011) (for example, “Alexa”) as supported Smart Alert sounds such as smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. If an Echo device detects an acoustic pattern that matches the selected sound, Alexa will send you a Smart Alert. Alexa is always getting smarter, and its ability to accurately detect specific sounds will improve the more you use Alexa Emergency Assist.

4. How do I enable Alexa to detect selected sounds?

Smart Alerts are disabled by default. To enable Alexa to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and glass breaking, go to Alexa Emergency Assist > Settings > Smart Alerts in the Alexa app.

5. Can any Alexa-enabled device detect selected sounds?

No. Only Echo smart speakers and smart displays such as an Echo Dot or Echo Show can detect selected sounds and send you a Smart Alert. You should test Smart Alerts from each of your devices to confirm that that device is supported.

6. How can I test Smart Alerts?

To test Smart Alerts, you will need an eligible Echo device. If you want Emergency Assist to detect the sound of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms, you will also need a separate smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector that is capable of emitting an audible alarm. To improve the performance of Emergency Assist, a supported Echo device should be in the same room or space and in close proximity to the source of the sound you want Alexa to detect, such as a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector. Emergency Assist may not detect the sound of all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Press the “test” button on your smoke or carbon monoxide detector until it emits an audible tone for at least 30 seconds. Echo devices are not capable of detecting the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide. You should not cover Echo devices with cloth or other objects because doing so could impair the device’s ability to detect the sounds you’ve selected.

7. How many Echo devices do I need in my home?

To best ensure that Alexa can detect selected sounds and is within voice range in an emergency, we recommend having at least one Echo device in each room or space in your home. To best ensure that Alexa detects selected sounds in your home, place your Echo devices close to the smoke or carbon monoxide detector that you want to monitor.

8. Is Alexa Emergency Assist a professional monitoring service?

No, Emergency Assist is not a professional monitoring service. If an alarm is detected Alexa will send a Smart Alert to your phone. Smart Alerts are provided for informational purposes only and if you get an alert, you should listen to it and make an independent judgment whether to contact Urgent Response.