In this guide we will show how to set up a SAFE by Swann security system with the Amazon Alexa. Amazon Alexa works with SAFE by Swann to stream live camera video to your Amazon Echo Spot or Echo Show device simply by speaking your commands. Having this feature enabled properly, will make you understand what a smart home is. Follow this guide to learn how to connect Amazon Alexa with SAFE by Swann for voice control.
To use Amazon Alexa voice control with SAFE by Swann, you must have the following:
- SAFE by Swann app
- SAFE by Swann account with at least one of the following cameras paired: Smart Security Camera (model: SWWHD-INTCAM), Indoor Camera (model: SWWHD-INDCAM), Outdoor Camera (model: SWWHD-OUTCAM), Floodlight Camera (model: SWWHD-FLOCAM).
- Amazon Alexa app and account
- Amazon Echo Spot or Echo Show device
Enabling the Safe by Swann skill and Discovering Devices
Before you start, ensure your Amazon Alexa and Echo Spot or Echo Show device are setup and working. To test this, ask Alexa about the weather. If Alexa responds, this will confirm Alexa is working. Also, open the SAFE by Swann app and confirm that you are able to stream (see) live video from your Swann camera.
Step 1. From the Amazon Alexa app, tap the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
Step 2. Select the Skills & Games option from the menu.
Step 3. Tap the search icon and search for “SafeBySwann”.
Step 4. “SafeBySwann” skill will appear in the results. Tap it.
Step 5. Tap Enable To Use on the SafeBySwann skill page.
Step 6. To activate the SafeBySwann skill, you will need to link your SAFE by Swann account.
Step 7. Enter the email and password associated with your SAFE by Swann account, then tap Login.
Step 8. Once your account is linked, this page will appear. Tap Done or “X” in the top left corner.
Step 9. You will now be prompted to discover your cameras. Tap Discover Devices.
Step 10. Alexa will search for the cameras associated with your SAFE by Swann account.
Step 11. When the discovery process is complete, tap Choose Device and finish the setup. Alexa is now ready to interact with your SAFE by Swann cameras.
Step 12. You can manage your Alexa-linked SAFE by Swann cameras by tapping the All Devices button in the Devices tab.
Extra tip: If you install more cameras later on or change the name of any camera in your SAFE by Swann app, you will also need Alexa to rediscover devices. Just tap the “+” icon in the top right of Devices tab (see step 12 above) or ask Alexa to discover devices by saying, “Alexa, discover my devices.”
Using an alternate name for your camera
In addition to the camera name originally discovered, you can also provide an alternative camera name for Alexa to use by renaming the camera through the Amazon Alexa app. Note that renaming the camera on Alexa does not change the original name of the camera in the SAFE by Swann app.
Step 1. From the Amazon Alexa app, select the Devices tab.
Step 2. Select the All Devices button.
Step 3. Select the camera that you want to rename. For example, the “Outdoor” camera.
Step 4. Tap Edit Name, then provide a new name for your camera. You can now control the camera with Alexa using its new name.
Viewing your SAFE Swann camera through Amazon Alexa
By default, Alexa responds to the name assigned to your camera in the SAFE by Swann app. An alternate name can also be given to your camera through the Alexa app. Avoid using any special characters like % and numbers. You may want to consider changing the name of your camera if this is the case. Use clear, distinct words that Alexa will find easier to understand and that don’t overlap with any other smart devices in your home.
- To connect to your camera and show live video, just say: “Alexa, show ”
- To stop streaming your camera, simply say: “Alexa, hide ” or “Alexa, stop”
(Source: Swann Technical Guides).
