How To Use Echo Show As A Security Camera

Have you ever wondered how to use echo show as a security camera? Yes, absolutely! The Echo Show’s camera and screen allow you to view live footage from your home right from your smartphone.

Let me tell you, after my friend Jenny’s home was broken into last year, it made me super anxious about protecting my own home.

I couldn’t afford a pricey security system, but then Jenny suggested I try using my Echo Show as a camera to keep an eye on things.

I was shocked that it could even do that! After some quick settings in the Alexa app, now I can check in anytime and have peace of mind.

In this post, I’ll go through everything you need to know to set up your Echo Show as a security camera, from the equipment to the app settings.

Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

Using your Echo Show as a security cam requires just a few basic items:

• An Echo Show device – any generation will work!
  • The 1st and 2nd gen Echo Show
  • The Echo Show 5, 8, 10
  • Even the Echo Spot can be used
• The Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet
• WiFi connection (for both the Echo Show and your phone)

And that’s it! Pretty simple setup.

How to Enable the Camera Access

The first thing you need to do is enable camera access within the Alexa app. This allows you to view the footage from your Echo Show.

Here are the steps:

1. Open up the Alexa app on your phone and go to Settings
2. Select the name of your Echo Show
3. Tap on Camera and toggle on the setting for “Camera Access”
4. While you’re there, also switch on the “Home Monitoring” setting

Enabling home monitoring is what transforms your Echo Show into a security camera. This allows you to check in anytime.

Viewing the Live Camera Feed

Once camera access and home monitoring are enabled, you’re ready to view the live feed from your Echo Show’s camera!

Simply open up the Alexa app and do the following:

1. Select the Cameras tab at the bottom
2. Choose your Echo Show from the list
3. The live camera footage will instantly appear!

From here, you can view what the camera is seeing in real time. It’s like you’re peeking into your home!

With the latest Echo Show 10, you can even move the camera angle by swiping left or right on the screen.

It will rotate the camera to show you a different part of the room. Pretty neat!

Limitations to Keep in Mind

While the Echo Show does provide live camera access, there are some downsides to be aware of:

• No video recording – Footage cannot be saved or recorded with the Echo Show. You can only view what’s happening live.
• Notifications sent – Anyone in the camera’s view will get a notification that they are being watched through the Echo Show. No sneak peeks!
• Video quality – The camera feed won’t be as sharp or detailed as a real wired security camera.
• Positioning – You’re limited by where the Echo Show is placed. A security camera has more flexible mounting options.

So in summary, the Echo Show has some drawbacks compared to a dedicated security camera system. But hey, it’s free to use if you already have the device!

Tips On How To Use Echo Show as a Security Camera

To get the most out of your Echo Show security cam, here are some useful tips:

• Place the Show in a corner of a room to get a wide, sweeping view.
• Use it to check on kids or pets when you run a quick errand.
• Have it watch your front door so you can see who’s home and who rings the bell.
• View the feed before bed to double check everything is locked up.
• Use the camera zoom to get a closer view of anything suspicious.
• Activate the Show’s microphone to talk through the camera if needed.

Getting creative with placement and usage will help overcome some of the Echo Show cam limitations.

Can You Use Other Alexa Devices Too?

Yep, you sure can! The Echo Show isn’t the only Alexa device that can be used for home monitoring.

Here are a few other options:

• Echo Spot – Has a screen but no moving camera. Can be placed discreetly.
• Echo Show 5 or 8 – Offers a nice compact screen size.
• Echo Look – A camera that can capture short video clips.
• Fire TV devices – View the feed right on your TV!

So get the whole family involved and set up home monitoring on multiple Alexa gadgets. The more eyes the better!

Is It a True Replacement for Security Cams?

At the end of the day, while the Echo Show provides convenient live viewing, it isn’t a full stand-in for a dedicated home security camera system.

There are some key differences to keep in mind:

Real Security Cameras

• Record footage to review later
• Wider viewing angle
• Adjustable mounts for optimal positioning
• Integration with security systems
• Deter break-ins just by being visible

Echo Show

• Only live viewing
• Smaller camera
• Limited placement options
• No integration with other security devices
• Less of a deterrent to criminals

So the Echo Show can be a handy supplement to keep an eye on things, but real security cameras are still the better choice for full home protection.

How To Access The Security Camera Footage On Echo Show

To access the security camera footage on your Echo Show, you can use voice commands or the touchscreen.

Here are the steps to view the security camera footage on your Echo Show:

Using Voice Commands:

1. Make sure your security camera is connected to Alexa. You can do this by following the instructions in the camera manufacturer’s app.

2. Say “Alexa, show [camera name]” to view the live feed from your security camera on your Echo Show.

3. To stop viewing, say “Alexa, stop showing the footage”.

Using the Touchscreen:

• 1. Swipe down from the top of the Echo Show’s display.
• 2. Tap Settings.
• 3. Tap Camera.
• 4. Tap the Home Monitoring toggle to turn it on.
• 5. Tap Smart Home.
• 6. Select Cameras.
• 7. Tap on the camera you want to view.
• 8. A live feed will appear.
• 9. To close the feed, repeat the process and tap Home, then tap the X to dismiss the video screen.

What Are The Requirements For A Security Camera To Be Compatible With Echo Show

To be compatible with Amazon Echo Show, a security camera needs to meet certain requirements.

Here are some of the requirements for a security camera to be compatible with Echo Show:

1. The security camera needs to be Alexa-enabled or “Works with Alexa.”
2. The camera needs to be connected to Alexa through the camera manufacturer’s app.
3. The camera needs to be set up with the Home Monitoring feature on your Echo Show.
4. The camera needs to have a live feed that can be accessed through Alexa voice commands or the Echo Show’s touchscreen.
5. The camera needs to be able to stream live footage to the Echo Show without any lag or delay.

What Types Of Security Cameras Are Compatible With Echo Show

According to various sources, including The Verge, TechRadar, and Reddit, the following security cameras are compatible with Amazon Echo Show:

• – Ring
• – Arlo
• – Google Nest
• – Eufy
• – Blink
• – Wyze
• – TP-Link
• – Imou

It is important to note that not all security cameras are compatible with Alexa, and you need to make sure that your security camera is compatible with Alexa before you can view the footage on your Echo Show.

Also, the Echo Show’s camera is not designed to record video and cannot be mounted to a wall like a traditional home security camera.

How To Troubleshoot Connectivity Issues Between Echo Show And Security Camera

If you are experiencing connectivity issues between your Echo Show and security camera, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check the Wi-Fi connection: Make sure that your Echo Show and security camera are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, move the devices closer to the router.

2. Check the camera’s compatibility: Make sure that your security camera is compatible with Amazon Echo Show.

Not all security cameras work with Alexa, so you need to make sure that your camera is compatible before you can view the footage on your Echo Show.

3. Check the camera’s settings: Make sure that your security camera is set up correctly and that the camera’s settings allow it to be viewed on Echo Show.

Check the camera manufacturer’s app to ensure that the camera is connected to Alexa.

4. Restart the devices: Try restarting both your Echo Show and security camera. Unplug the devices from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in.

5. Disable and re-enable the camera’s Alexa skill: If the camera is still not working, try disabling and re-enabling the camera’s Alexa skill. This can help to refresh the connection between the camera and Echo Show.

6. Contact customer support: If none of the above steps work, contact the customer support of your security camera manufacturer for further assistance.

How To Set Up Motion Detection On Echo Show Security Camera?

To set up motion detection on Echo Show security camera, you need to follow the instructions provided by the camera manufacturer’s app.

Here are some general steps that may help:

1. Check If Your Camera Supports Motion Detection: Not all cameras support motion detection, so you need to make sure that your camera has this feature.

2. Enable Motion Detection On Your Camera: Follow the instructions provided by the camera manufacturer’s app to enable motion detection on your camera.

3. Connect Your Camera To Alexa: To view the footage on your Echo Show, you need to connect your camera to Alexa.

Follow the instructions provided by the camera manufacturer’s app to connect your camera to Alexa.

4. Set Up Routines: You can use Alexa routines to trigger actions when motion is detected.

For example, you can set up a routine to turn on the lights when motion is detected. Follow the instructions provided by the Alexa app to set up routines.

5. Use Voice Commands: Once you have set up motion detection and routines, you can use voice commands to view the footage on your Echo Show.

For example, you can say “Alexa, show me the camera view” to view the live feed from your camera.

It is important to note that not all cameras support motion detection, and the steps to set up motion detection may vary depending on the camera manufacturer’s app.

What Are The Different Motion Detection Options Available On Echo Show Security Camera?

The motion detection options available on Echo Show security cameras may vary depending on the camera manufacturer’s app.

However, here are some common motion detection options that may be available:

1. Ultrasound Motion Detection: This is a feature that is available on some Amazon Echo devices. It uses ultrasound to detect motion and can be enabled in the device’s settings.

2. Motion Detection Settings: Some cameras may have motion detection settings that allow you to adjust the sensitivity and range of the motion detection.

3. Routines: You can use Alexa routines to trigger actions when motion is detected. For example, you can set up a routine to turn on the lights when motion is detected.

4. People Detection: Some cameras may have people detection features that allow you to trigger actions when people are detected.

It is important to note that the motion detection options may vary depending on the camera manufacturer’s app, and not all cameras support motion detection.

You need to make sure that your camera has this feature before you can set up motion detection on your Echo Show security camera.

FAQs

How Can I Use My Echo As A Camera?

The Echo Show devices have built-in cameras that allow you to use them for video calling, home monitoring, and accessing the live camera feed.

To use your Echo as a camera:

• Enable the Camera permissions in the Alexa app settings. This allows Alexa to access the camera.
• Turn on Home Monitoring to transform your Echo into a security camera. Now you can view live camera footage.
• Open the Alexa app and select Cameras to view the live feed from your Echo Show. You can also zoom and pan the camera.

So with just a few taps in the app, you can use the Echo Show’s camera for video calls, home security, pet monitoring and more!

It transforms your smart speaker into a multipurpose camera.

Can Echo Be Used As A Recording Device?

Unfortunately the camera on the Echo Show devices does not allow recording or saving video footage. You can only view the live video stream in real time.

The camera feed is not stored, saved or available for later playback. You cannot use the Echo as a recording device like a traditional security camera or nanny cam.

This limitation is likely for privacy reasons. Amazon does not want Echo devices secretly recording users without consent.

So while the live view feature is handy for quickly looking in on your home, Echo Show does not offer true recording capabilities.

Consider standalone security cameras if you need to record footage.

How Do I Record With Echo?

As mentioned above, you cannot record video footage using the built-in Echo Show camera. However, if you want to record the camera stream, you can use your smartphone.

To record the live Echo Show feed:

• Open the camera stream in the Alexa app on your phone.
• Use your phone’s screen recording feature to capture the live footage. For iPhone, swipe down from the top right to begin recording.
• The resulting video will save all activity from the live camera feed. You can now go back and review it.

Just keep in mind you need to manually start and stop the recording on your phone – the Echo does not record or save any video on its own.

What Color Does Alexa Turn When Listening?

When Alexa detects that you are speaking a command to it, the light ring at the top of Echo devices will turn blue. This lets you know that Alexa is listening and processing your request.

Here is what the different light colors indicate:

• Blue – Alexa is listening for a command
• Orange – Alexa is processing your request
• Red – The microphone is off for privacy
• White – Power is connected but Alexa is not engaged
• Green – Volume level is being adjusted

So look for that blue light when you ask Alexa a question to confirm the device heard you. It’s Alexa’s version of “ears perked up!”

Can I View Echo Show Camera Remotely?

Yes, you can view the live camera feed from an Echo Show remotely through the Alexa app on your smartphone. This allows you to check in on a room from anywhere.

To view the camera remotely:

• Enable Camera access and Home Monitoring on your Echo Show.
• Open the Alexa app, select Cameras, and pick your Echo Show.
• You’ll now see the live camera stream from anywhere you have an internet connection.

You can pan and zoom the camera view to look around the room. The Echo Show essentially acts as a WiFi security camera you can access remotely when out of the house.

Does Echo Show 5 Have A Camera?

Yes, the Echo Show 5 comes equipped with a built-in front facing camera. The camera is located at the top center of the device’s screen.

The Echo Show 5’s camera can be used for:

• Video calls via Skype or the Alexa app
• Home monitoring to view the camera feed remotely
• Taking photos with Alexa voice commands
• Facial recognition to personalize profiles

So while the Echo Show 5 is compact in size, it still packs in a handy camera for all your needs. The camera quality is similar to the other Show models.

Can I View My Echo Show Camera On My Phone?

Absolutely! Using the Alexa app on iOS or Android, you can view the live feed from your Echo Show’s camera on your smartphone.

To view the Echo Show camera on your phone:

1. Open the Alexa app
2. Select the Cameras option
3. Tap on your Echo Show from the list of devices
4. The live camera stream will now appear on your phone screen

This allows you to check in on any room your Echo Show is in from anywhere you take your phone. It essentially turns your Echo into a portable home security camera.

The app also lets you control the camera angle and zoom. Just remember the camera feed is not recorded or stored.

What Is Echo Show Used For?

The Echo Show smart display has a few main uses:

• Watching video/TV – You can stream shows, movies, news and more.
• Video calls – The camera allows for video chats with friends and family.
• Displaying photos – Show off your photo collection.
• Visual information – Get news briefings, weather forecasts, lyrics, recipes and more on the screen.
• Home monitoring – View the live camera feed remotely to check on your home.
• Smart home control – Visually control compatible lights, locks, cameras and other devices.
• Voice assistance – Anything you would use a regular Echo for like asking questions, setting timers/alarms, controlling music and more.

Conclusion

Being able to use your Echo Show as an impromptu security cam is pretty cool! While it lacks some key features of dedicated security systems, it can still provide peace of mind by letting you check in on your home anytime.

Just keep the limitations in mind and don’t rely on it as your sole source of home security.

Think of it more as a bonus feature for your Echo Show rather than a true security camera replacement.

Have you tried using your Echo Show as a security cam yet? Let me know how it worked for you! I’d love to hear your experiences with this nifty little feature.

And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it so others can get in on the Echo Show security camera action!

Stay safe out there, friends.