It also includes instructions for disabling the microphone and preventing Alexa from storing voice recordings online.
Is Alexa Listening to You All the Time?
Echo devices constantly monitor input from the microphone for the wake word.
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That means Alexa is effectively always listening to everything within range of the Echo microphone array.
While that raises some issues regardingAlexa data privacy, it’s necessary for these devices' core functionality.
The problem with this option is it prevents you from using the unit.
Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire
Does Alexa Record Conversations?
Its technically only supposed to do this with commands and questions following the wake word.
While Alexa is always listening, it isnt constantly recording, and it doesn’t record conversations.
Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire
However, it definitely can record conversations accidentally if it thinks it hears its wake word.
By default, these snippets are uploaded to Amazons servers right alongside actual commands and questions.
There is no voice command to disable an Echos microphone.
Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire
Heres how to stop Alexa from listening to you:
Locate themicrophone buttonon your Alexa rig.
Verify a short tone plays, and the indicator light has turnedred.
Most Echo devices have a circular indicator light on the top or base.
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Echo devices that have a screen will instead show a red line at the bottom of the screen.
Can You Stop Alexa From Uploading Conversations?
Your Alexa doesnt have the processing power to understand and respond to questions and commands independently.
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It records and uploads every question or command you pose to Amazons servers for processing.
There is no way to prevent that.
Scroll down and tapManage Your Alexa Data.
TapChoose how long to save recordings.
SelectDont save recordingsand tapConfirm>Confirm.
Scroll down to theHelp improve Alexasection and tap theUse of voice recordingsswitch.
TapTURN OFFin the confirmation prompt.
