Alexa Emergency Assist – Testing Urgent Response and Sound Detection


Testing Urgent Response

To confirm that Urgent Response calling is working as expected, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to your Echo device and say: "Alexa, test emergency helpline".
  2. If you would like to speak with a live agent, stay on the line.
  3. Let the agent know that you are just testing the service.

You can test Urgent Response as often as you would like. We recommend a monthly check to confirm everything is working as expected.

Remember, if you ever have a real emergency, say: "Alexa, call for help".

Testing Sound Detection

Step 1: Enable Smart Alerts

Smart Alerts are disabled by default. To enable Alexa to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send notifications, open the Alexa app, tap More and select Alexa Emergency Assist. From the Emergency Assist dashboard, tap the Settings icon on the top right corner of the page and then Smart Alerts. Toggle Smoke & CO alarm sounds on.

Step 2: Test Sound Detection

Emergency Assist may not detect the sound of all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Locate a smoke or CO detector (either is fine) in your home. Press the "test" button until it emits an audible tone for at least 30 seconds to test whether Emergency Assist can detect the sound of your smoke or carbon monoxide detector. Note: If your smoke/CO detector is integrated with a security alarm then we recommend playing a sound recording (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czyGmRXJ184) in lieu of activating a device. 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.

Step 3: Confirm Notifications

When the alarm is detected, Alexa will also 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.

Troubleshooting

If the smoke/CO alarm has sounded for at least 30 seconds and your device has not detected the alarm:

  1. Disable smoke/CO Smart Alerts and then re-enable.
  2. Wait 15 minutes and then test the alarm again.

If this does not work, then:

  1. Unplug the power adapter from the device or the outlet and wait for 10 seconds.
  2. Plug it back in to restart it, and follow steps 1-5 again.

If the device is still not detecting the alarm, reset your device to its factory settings, by following the instructions for your specific device.

Note: This reset erases all your personal information and any device and smart home connections.

Tip: If resetting your device isn’t helpful or you no longer want to use your device, Deregister Your Device from your Amazon account. Deregistering your device erases all device settings.