Amazon Echo devices are undeniably convenient, but they also come with settings that may compromise your privacy or make your device behave in ways you don’t fully control. In this article, we explore seven features you should consider turning off immediately on your Echo device—and one helpful setting you might want to turn on instead. Whether you’re concerned about bandwidth sharing, voice recording, or unwanted communications, these steps will help you take back control of your Amazon Echo experience.
All settings mentioned can be accessed using the Alexa app, available on both iOS and Android. You can learn more or download the app from the official Amazon Alexa site.
1. Disable Amazon Sidewalk
What it does: Amazon Sidewalk shares a portion of your internet bandwidth with nearby Echo and Ring devices—including those owned by your neighbors.
While it aims to improve connectivity across neighborhoods, it also opens up your network to potential misuse and privacy concerns. More importantly, this feature is enabled by default, so you may be sharing your bandwidth without realizing it.
How to turn it off:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap More (bottom-right corner) > Settings.
- Select Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk.
- Toggle Amazon Sidewalk to Off.
2. Turn Off Drop-In
What it does: Drop-In allows pre-approved contacts to start voice or video conversations with your Echo device instantly—without you needing to accept the call.
This might be useful for close family members, but it can become intrusive, especially if someone drops in unexpectedly.
How to turn it off (per device):
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap More > Settings > Device Settings.
- Select your device (e.g., Echo Show).
- Go to Communications > Drop-In.
- Set the option to Off.
Note: This setting must be adjusted individually for each device.
3. Disable Hunches
What it does: Hunches enable Alexa to make suggestions or ask follow-up questions based on your routines or incomplete commands (like forgetting to lock a door).
While this can be helpful at times, it can also become irritating when you’re busy or in the middle of a call.
How to turn it off:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap More > Settings > Hunches.
- Toggle the setting to Off.
4. Manage and Limit Voice Recordings
What it does: Amazon stores voice recordings of your interactions with Alexa. By default, these are kept indefinitely unless you choose to delete or limit them.
How to manage or delete voice recordings:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap More > Settings > Alexa Privacy.
- Tap Manage Your Alexa Data.
- Under Voice Recordings, you can:
- Enable deletion by voice (e.g., “Delete what I just said”).
- Set how long to retain recordings:
- Keep until manually deleted (default)
- 18 months
- 3 months
- Don’t save recordings at all
Choose the option that best fits your comfort level with privacy.
5. Review and Revoke Skill Permissions
What it does: Alexa “skills” are third-party apps that can access personal data like your address, contacts, or usage history. Over time, these permissions may accumulate, even if you no longer use those skills.
How to manage skill permissions:
- Go to Alexa Privacy in the app.
- Select Manage Skill Permissions.
- Review access levels (e.g., location, email, street address) and remove access for skills you no longer trust or use.
6. Keep Your Echo Cameras Turned Off When Not in Use
What it does: Devices like the Echo Show include built-in cameras for video calls and Drop-In. While convenient, camera hacking is a well-documented risk.
How to stay secure: Physically close the camera shutter (most Echo Show devices include this feature). Keep it closed unless you’re actively using the camera.
7. Turn On Brief Mode (Optional but Recommended)
What it does: Brief Mode reduces Alexa’s verbal responses and replaces them with simple beeps or chimes. This is helpful if you prefer a quieter, less repetitive interaction with your device.
How to enable Brief Mode:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap More > Settings > Voice Responses.
- Toggle Brief Mode to On.
You can also explore Whisper Mode and Celebrity Voices in the same section for more personalized interactions.
Final Thoughts
Amazon Echo devices offer powerful functionality, but many features can compromise your privacy and peace of mind if left unchecked. Regularly reviewing your Alexa settings can help you enjoy the benefits while maintaining control over your data and security.
For more useful tech tips and updates, bookmark this article and revisit your settings every few months as new features are added.
Tags:
alexa settings, amazon echo privacy, turn off alexa features, amazon sidewalk, drop in echo, alexa voice recordings, smart home privacy, echo security settings
Hashtags:
#Alexa #AmazonEcho #PrivacySettings #SmartHome #TechTips #EchoSecurity #AlexaPrivacy #AmazonSidewalk
