Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. Guides

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

What is Alexa Intruder Alert?

By

Alexa’s “Intruder Alert” response has been showcased in memes for years now — so, of course, lots of people are wondering if it’s a real feature that they can set up on their Alexa device. Can activating an intruder alert actually help you with home security?

Well, yes and no. Here are the real-world facts about those intruder alerts and what you can do with them, along with some extra advice about using your Echo or other Alexa device as a security device in your home.

Recommended Videos

What does Alexa do if you say “Intruder Alert”?

Intruder Alert memes.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nothing. At least, there’s no built-in skill called “Intruder Alert” that Alexa will recognize right out of the box. If you say that phrase to Alexa, the voice assistant will have no idea what to do — your time is better spent calling 911 if you actually think there’s a burglar in your home.

But the idea (and the memes) comes from setting up an alert routine to make Alexa do certain things, regardless if you are creating it as a joke or as a serious way to scare off thieves and trespassers.

How do I set up an Intruder Alert then?

It’s all about creating the right routine in the app. Open up the Alexa app, and select the More button in the bottom right. In this menu, select Routines.

Choose Alexa Routines.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Select the Plus button in the upper right to create a new routine. Name it “Intruder Alert” and use “Intruder Alert” for the When this happens section so that it will be the phrase you will say to Alexa to trigger it.

Alexa Intruder Alert Example.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Then use the Add action section to customize Alexa’s responses. The Smart Home section in particular can help you find what devices around the house you can add. As the memes indicate, you can indeed set smart lights to turn on or turn a particular color or have Alexa make a sound or play a certain song. You can also have Alexa call someone specific, turn on a compatible TV, and operate any of the integrated smart devices you have in the home. Some actions will be more useful in an emergency than others, while some may be more suited to joking around.

Alexa Routine Options.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The catch, you can see, is that you need Alexa-integrated smart devices connected in the first place. That means finding the right smart bulbs, connecting compatible security cameras, setting up your preferred music service, and so on. The good news is that Alexa has great third-party support for smart device brands, and it’s getting even better as the industry evolves into providing better compatibility. If you don’t have the device you want yet, you can probably find it.

What is Alexa Guard Mode?

Enabling Alexa Guard.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Guard Mode is a built-in Alexa security option that you can use right out of the box. You can activate it at any time by saying something like, “Alexa, turn on Guard,” or “Alexa, I’m leaving the house.” Alexa will then enter a watchful state that can alert you via the Alexa app on your phone if it looks like something is wrong.

Can Guard Mode scare off intruders?

Sort of. Guard Mode will listen for smoke or CO alarms, and alert you if it sounds like there’s a siren. It can do the same with glass break sounds, which could mean someone is breaking in. One of your alert options will be to connect to the mic/cam on your Echo device, which means you could start yelling through your Echo and scare away a thief.

However, there’s a paid option called Guard Plus, starting at $4.99 per month. Guard Plus listens for more warning signs and has the ability to automatically turn on a “barking dogs” sound or a siren to scare away intruders. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to making an intruder alert a reality without building one yourself.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
Best air fryer deals: As cheap as $25
The Costway 16-in-1 15-quart air fryer oven on a table with plates of food spread out around it.

There are a lot of things that could potentially take the mantle for being the best smart kitchen appliances, but air fryers are so versatile that they are easily at the top of the list. Not only are they easier to use than a traditional fryer, where you have to deal with a bunch of oil, but they are also a lot healthier since you don't need a lot of it to fry your food. Even better, there's no need to grab one of the best air fryers on the market, with many budget-friendly options that have a lot of features. To that end, we've collected our favorite air fryer deals below, and if you're on the hunt to deck out your kitchen, then it's worth checking out these coffee maker deals, Keurig deals and Vitamix deals as well.
Bella Pro Series 4-quart digital air fryer — $45, was $70

The Bella Pro Series 4-quart digital air fryer is equipped with a 1,500-watt heating system with an adjustable cooking temperature of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which you can adjust through its digital touchscreen that also offers several preset cook modes. The air fryer offers enough capacity to cook meals for about four to six people, so it’s perfect for small families and intimate gatherings. The Bella Pro Series 4-quart digital air fryer also features a 60-minute automatic shut-off timer and a dishwasher-safe basket.

Read more
Best air conditioner deals: Portable and window units on sale
The GE 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner cools a living room while a woman reads.

Temperatures this year seem to be some of the highest in history, and it's no surprise that many folks are worried about what summer is going to look like this year. As such, it's important to keep yourself cool, and going for an air conditioner is probably going to be a big help; even something as simple as portable air conditioners will offer some help. That said, a proper air conditioner is better, which is why we've gone out and collected some of our favorite deals below, including from some of the best air conditioner brands out there.

Also, if you're struggling with things like seasonal allergies, check out some of these air purifier deals, and for those who have persistent dry coughs, these humidifiers deals should help a bit as well.
Evapolar evaCHILL — $70, was $99

Read more
Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Wyze Cam Pan v3: Which is the better pan-tilt camera?
The Pan-Tilt mounted on a wall.

An indoor camera capable of panning and tilting is one of the best ways to improve the security of your home. These devices make it easy to capture all corners of a room with a single device, making them a cost-effective way to keep tabs on a property. The Wyze Cam Pan v3 is one of the cheapest options on the market, but Ring has recently launched its own Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam that's quickly become popular with shoppers.

But is the expensive Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam better than the Wyze Cam Pan v3? Or should you save yourself a few bucks and opt for the cheaper security camera? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more