Amazon Alexa Guide

With the Abode and Amazon Alexa integration, you can view live video from Abode cameras on screen-enabled Alexa devices, set routines to have Alexa announce when specific doors and windows open or close, arm and disarm your Abode system, control lights and locks, and more.

The Abode Security Skill lets you interact with the security and home automation aspects of your system. To use it, invoke the skill by saying "Alexa, ask Abode to..." followed by your command. For example:

• "Alexa, show me Side Yard Cam."

• "Alexa, arm Abode into Away mode."

• "Alexa, tell Abode to close the Garage Door."

• "Alexa, ask Abode for system status."

The Abode Smart Home Skill controls home automation without needing to invoke Abode first. For example:

• "Alexa, turn off the Outside Lights."

• "Alexa, dim the Living Room lights to 50%."

• "Alexa, lock the Front door."

Before starting, make sure the Amazon Alexa app is installed on your mobile device and your Alexa devices are already set up and paired within the Alexa app.

1. In the Abode app, tap the Menu icon.

2. Tap "Integrations."

3. Tap "Amazon Alexa."

4. Tap "Connect to Amazon Alexa" to be directed to the Alexa app on your device.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the integration. You can now use your Amazon Echo to control your Abode system.

• "Alexa, show me the living room."

• "Alexa, arm Abode in away mode."

• "Alexa, arm Abode in home mode."

• "Alexa, arm Abode." (arms to home mode)

• "Alexa, is Abode armed?"

• "Alexa, disarm Abode."

• "Alexa, is the front door open?"

• "Alexa, is the living room window open?"

• "Alexa, lock the front door."

• "Alexa, unlock the front door."

• "Alexa, is the front door locked?"

• "Alexa, turn on/off my light."

• "Alexa, brighten/dim my light."

• "Alexa, change my light to blue / pink / purple / orange / green / red / yellow."

• "Alexa, make my light cooler/warmer."

• "Alexa, turn on/off my dimmer."

• "Alexa, set my dimmer to 50%."

• "Alexa, turn on/off my switch."

• "Alexa, turn on/off my plug."

Using the Abode Smart Home skill, you can have Alexa notify you when a door or window opens or closes, or when an Abode Motion Sensor detects a change. What Alexa says is fully customizable.

1. Open your Alexa account.

2. Select the Home icon in the bottom right corner, then select "All Devices."

3. Choose the door or motion sensor you would like to create a routine for.

4. Select "Create a Routine."

5. Tap the "+" icon in the top right corner of your screen.

6. Tap the "+" icon next to "When this happens," then select the device and the action that should trigger the routine.

7. Tap the "+" icon next to "Add action," choose "Alexa says," then "Custom," and enter the phrase you want Alexa to say.

8. Tap "Next" then "Add."

9. Select the Alexa device that should speak, then tap "Save."

10. Test your routine. To edit or delete it later, find it under "Routines" in the Alexa app main menu.

Your PIN code is provided verbally to Alexa to securely disarm your system or unlock smart locks. Without a PIN, anyone within range of your Echo could disarm your system. Amazon recommends changing your Alexa PIN every 90 days.

1. Log in to the Abode app.

2. Go to the Integrations page.

3. In the Alexa Security Skills section, tap Settings.

4. Update your PIN code.

This section explains how to configure the Abode Smart Home skill to allow Alexa to unlock smart locks. When enabled, you can say "Alexa, unlock my Front Door." Alexa will ask for a PIN code, and the door will unlock when you provide a valid PIN.

1. Open the Alexa app, tap the menu in the top left corner, and select "Smart Home."

2. On the Smart Home page, tap one of your integrated locks.

3. On the Lock Settings page, tap "Edit" in the top right corner.

4. Tap the toggle next to "Unlock by Voice."

5. Tap OK in the "Enable unlock by voice" dialog.

6. Create a 4-digit PIN, then confirm it by entering it again.

7. Confirm your Amazon Alexa password to complete the process.

Who can use the Alexa video feature?

Anyone with an Abode hub and the Abode Smart Home Skill on their Alexa can use this feature.

What do I need to do to enable this?

Ensure your Abode hub has the latest firmware and the Abode smart home skill on Alexa is up to date. Then say "Alexa, discover my devices" or discover devices manually through the Alexa app.

On which Alexa devices does this work?

This feature is only available on screen-enabled Alexa devices, including Echo Show, Echo Spot, Fire tablets, and Fire TVs.

Can I use two-way voice through Alexa?

Not currently. Two-way voice is planned as part of a future update.

Can I have Alexa capture a video clip?

No. Alexa can only pull up live video. Clip capture must be done through the Abode app or triggered by an automation.