Swann Security Functionality with Amazon Alexa

About Swann Security Functionality

It is now easier than ever to see what's happening. Amazon Alexa works with Swann Security to stream live camera video to your Amazon Echo Spot/Echo Show/Fire TV device simply by using voice commands. Follow this guide to learn how to connect Amazon Alexa with Swann Security for voice control.

First Steps

To use Amazon Alexa voice control with Swann Security, you need the following:

• Swann Security App
• Swann Security Account with a linked Swann device
• Amazon Alexa App and Account
• Amazon Echo Spot/Echo Show/Fire TV Device

Viewing Camera via Amazon Alexa

By default, Alexa responds to the name assigned to your camera (or channel) in the Swann Security app. You can also assign an alternative name to your camera using the Alexa app. Avoid using special characters, such as % and numbers. In such cases, you may consider changing your camera's name. Use clear and distinctive words that are easier for Alexa to understand and do not overlap with any other devices in your home.

To connect to your camera and view live video, simply say:

"Alexa, show me <camera name>"

To stop the stream to your camera, simply say:

"Alexa, go home" or "Alexa, stop"

How to Enable Swann Security Functionality and Discover Devices

Before you begin, ensure Amazon Alexa and your Echo Spot/Echo Show/Fire TV device are configured and working. To test, ask Alexa about the weather. If Alexa responds, it confirms Alexa is functioning. Likewise, open the Swann Security app and confirm you can stream live video from your cameras.

Step 1: Access Menu

From the Amazon Alexa app, tap the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the Amazon Alexa app main screen with the menu icon highlighted.]

Step 2: Select Skills & Games

Select the "Skills & Games" option from the menu.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the Alexa app menu with "Skills & Games" highlighted.]

Step 3: Search for Swann Security

Tap and search for "Swann Security".

[Description of screenshot: Shows the Skills & Games search interface with "Swann Security" typed in the search bar.]

Step 4: Select the Swann Security Skill

The "Swann Security" skill will appear in the results. Tap it.

[Description of screenshot: Shows search results with the "Swann Security" skill listed.]

Step 5: Enable the Skill

Tap "Enable to Use" on the Swann Security skill page.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the Swann Security skill page with the "Enable to Use" button.]

Step 6: Link Your Account

To activate the Swann Security skill, you must link your Swann Security account.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the account linking prompt.]

Step 7: Log In

Enter the email and password associated with your Swann Security account, then tap "Login".

[Description of screenshot: Shows the login form for linking the Swann Security account.]

Step 8: Confirmation

Once your account is linked, this page will appear. Tap "Done" or the "X" in the top-left corner.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the confirmation page indicating successful linking, with a "Done" button or "X" icon.]

Step 9: Discover Devices

You will be prompted to discover your cameras. Tap "Discover Devices".

[Description of screenshot: Shows the prompt to discover devices.]

Step 10: Alexa Discovers Devices

Alexa will search for cameras associated with your Swann Security account.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the "Alexa is discovering devices..." screen.]

Step 11: Setup Complete

When the discovery process is complete, tap "Choose Device" and finish the setup. Alexa is now ready to interact with your Swann Security cameras.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the "4 devices discovered" screen and the "Choose Device" button.]

Step 12: View Devices

You can view your linked Swann Security cameras by tapping the "All Devices" button in the "Devices" tab.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the "Devices" tab with a list of discovered devices, including "All Devices".]

Tip: Re-discover Devices

If you link more Swann devices with the Swann Security app later, or if you change camera names in the Swann Security app, you will need Alexa to re-discover the devices. Simply tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner of the "Devices" tab (see Step 12 above) or ask Alexa to discover devices by saying: "Alexa, discover my devices."

How to Use an Alternative Name for Your Camera

In addition to the camera's original discovered name, you can provide an alternative name for Alexa to use when renaming the camera via the Amazon Alexa app. Note that changing the camera's name in Alexa does not change the camera's original name in the Swann Security app.

Step 1: Navigate to Devices

From the Amazon Alexa app, select the "Devices" tab.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the Amazon Alexa app with the "Devices" tab selected.]

Step 2: Select All Devices

Select the "All Devices" button.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the list of devices within the Alexa app, with "All Devices" highlighted.]

Step 3: Choose Camera to Rename

Select the camera you wish to rename. For example, the "Garden" camera.

[Description of screenshot: Shows a specific camera selected from the list, ready for renaming.]

Step 4: Edit Name

Tap "Edit Name", then enter a new name for your camera. You can now control the camera with Alexa using its new name.

[Description of screenshot: Shows the "Edit Name" screen where a new name can be entered for the camera.]