You can easily set up an Alexa Intruder in the Alexa app by creating a routine. This allows you to set your Echo devices to make noise when an intruder is in your house, and in some cases, even turn on loud music or flash your lights. 

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to set up the Alexa Intruder alert, some of the options you have when setting up this alert, and a few other things to consider. 

What is an Alexa Intruder Alert?

You can use Alexa for many purposes, including controlling music and lights in your home. Alexa can help you make grocery lists, set reminders, and even make phone calls.  

But, what many people don’t know is that Alexa even offers a safety feature in case an intruder ever gets into your house. This is the first line of defense, but you might still need other security features. 

An Alexa intruder alert will only go off when someone is already inside the home. It does not help to keep someone from breaking in, and you will need to activate it manually with a personalized phrase. 

Things to Consider When Setting an Alexa Intruder Alert

There are several things to consider when setting up your intruder alert. These include:

  • The phrase you will useWhat the alert will sayWhat the alert will do

There are many options, allowing you to get creative while setting up your Alexa intruder alert. Below, we will discuss what you need to consider before you set up your alert.

The Phrase You Will Use

The first thing to consider is the phrase you will use to activate the intruder alert. You can pick your own phrase, but you’ll need to ensure it’s a sentence or command you can remember in high-stress situations. 

When you know someone is in your home, you don’t want to get hung up on a complicated phrase. For this reason, many people choose a simple phrase such as “Alexa, intruder alert.” 

What the Alert Will Say

What the Alert Will Do

If you have smart home devices, such as voice-controlled light bulbs, you can even set your Alexa intruder alert to do things like flash the lights in your home. While loud music or commands will deter an intruder, flashing lights could be the thing that scares the intruder off entirely.

Can Alexa Phone the Police with an Intruder Alert? 

Unfortunately, it is currently impossible for Alexa to phone the police when you set an intruder alert. After setting off the intruder alert, you can give Alexa another command to phone a friend for you, but the two commands can not be combined. 

Step-By-Step Guide for Setting an Alexa Intruder Alert

Once you know which phrase you will use and what your intruder alert will trigger within your smart home system, you’re ready to set up the Alexa Intruder alert. Follow these steps to do so: 

  • Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.Find the menu in the top left corner.Click on “Routines.” Press the “+” button to add a routine.Now, pick “When This Happens.” Choose “Voice.” Say the phrase you would like to use to trigger the intruder alert.Hit the “Save” button.Press the “Add Action” button.Choose the actions you want Alexa to perform during an intruder alert, like saying something or playing loud music.Press “Save.”

After completing the setup steps, run a test to see if everything works as needed.

Setting an Alexa Intruder Alert 

The Alexa Intruder alert is a great feature to have when someone breaks into your home. This will allow you to give Alexa a command and trigger a response that will hopefully scare off any intruders that have come into your house. 

You can easily set up this intruder alert by following a few steps in the Alexa app. Then, you can create a unique intruder alert that will work for you and your family. 

Sadly, this will only work when you can give the command and when someone is already in your home, so you might want to consider adding extra security measures to your home in case of a break-in.