The Amazon Echo is a helpful tech device to keep in your home for a number of reasons. Whether you are itching to get a quick weather report or want to find out the score to a game — the Amazon Echo provides fast info using little more than voice commands. It’s also the perfect device from which to play music or make phone calls. But it’s no secret that the Amazon Echo has been called out for the ways that it can invade your privacy, as well. The Echo may just be listening to your conversations and leaving you vulnerable in ways you never thought possible.
And if you use Alexa to connect with your banking account, for example, you can get a sense of how bad things can get when your data is breached. But here’s the good news: you CAN stop your Amazon Echo from listening and tracking your voice messages. Jonathan Palley, Partner of QR Code Generator Hub, and Nazmul Asif, co-founder of diviflash.com, say these are the steps you can take to keep Amazon Echo more private.
Mute the Microphone
It sounds far too simple, but muting the microphone is the easy way that you can keep Amazon Echo from listening in. “Use the ‘mute’ button on your Amazon Echo to prevent it from listening to and tracking your voice,” Palley says. “A physical button or switch that lets you manually muffle the microphone is often present on Amazon Echo devices. The microphone is turned off while the gadget is muted, so it can’t record any audio or listen to your voice commands.”
Your talks or interactions with the gadget won’t be recorded or stored thanks to this, Palley notes. “You may manage whether your Amazon Echo is actively listening to your voice by turning on the mute option when you want to keep private,” he adds.
Asif also adds the following tips to help keep your Amazon Echo more secure.
Change Wake Word:
“Open the Alexa app, go to device settings, and choose a different wake word to reduce accidental activations,” Asif says.
Review and Delete Voice Recordings:
In the Alexa app, navigate to "Alexa Privacy," select "Review Voice History," and delete specific voice recordings associated with your device.
Manage Third-Party App Permissions:
In the Alexa app, go to Skills & Games, select "Your Skills," and disable or remove any unnecessary skills that have access to your voice recordings.
Enable Privacy Settings:
Within the Alexa app, explore privacy options such as "Brief Mode" and "Follow-Up Mode" to reduce spoken responses and limit listening time after each interaction.
Consider Physical Covers or Shields:
Use accessories designed for Amazon Echo devices to physically block the device's microphones and enhance privacy.
You don’t have to live in fear that your Amazon Echo is picking up on every conversation you have. Follow these simple tips to protect yourself.
