Make Alexa Respond To Only Your Voice In Minutes

echo dot on top of echo dot next to plantecho dot on top of echo dot next to plant

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Alexa devices are great to have in your home. You can command them with just the sound of your voice. But sometimes, you don’t want other people commanding your Alexa.

There are ways to change the settings so that Alexa only responds to you, but there is no way to make it so that Alexa responds to your voice alone. Alexa is not yet capable of sole voice recognition.

Although you cannot change any settings to where Alexa only responds to your voice, you can change the settings to where she will recognize your voice by creating a voice profile. Learn how to make a voice profile and what else you can do so others can’t command Alexa.

Make Alexa Respond To Only Your Voice In Minutes

The simplest way to make Alexa only respond to your voice is by creating a “wake word” that will wake up Alexa before you give her a voice command. She will not respond unless this specific word has been said.

The only way to create the wake word is through the Alexa application, which you should have already downloaded if your device is already set up. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  • Open up the Alexa app and ensure you are logged into your account.
  • Find the device you want to add the “wake word” to and click on it.
  • Find the gear button at the top right hand corner of the screen and open it up.
  • Scroll down to almost the bottom of the options page.
  • “Wake Word” option will be under “General” and you can click on it.
  • The default “wake word” should be ‘Alexa,’ change the word to the selection Amazon provides.
  • When you click on the “wake word,” it will ask you to confirm and that it will take several minutes for it to take effect.
  • Now you can start using that device with your new “wake word.”

Here’s our video guide on how to change Alexa’s name or wake word:

Unfortunately, you cannot change the “wake word” on all the devices simultaneously. You will need to go into each device and change this setting, but it is all done on the app.

You also cannot create your own “wake word.” The devices do not support this type of setting, yet. You will have to choose from the standard choices: ziggy, Amazon, Echo, Computer, and Alexa.

The only other names you can use are celebrity versions. When you download or purchase celebrity voices, your device will sound like that celebrity.

There are a few you can choose from, like Samuel L. Jackson to even Santa Claus. These are fun to have, especially if you have children!

Other Ways To Limit Access To Your Devices

Some people may figure out what the “wake word” for your device is and try to use it. This can be annoying if you don’t want something to be changed on it, like a song playing.

There are other ways you can limit access to your device so not everyone can change things on the Alexa device. Here are a few other options:

  • Ensure your device is disconnected through other bluetooth devices to limit access to it.
  • Press the “stop listen” button on the top of your device.
  • Disable the “Drop-in” feature.
  • Disable the option to allow anyone to make purchases on your device.

These are some ways to reduce people having access to your devices so you don’t have to be surprised when settings have changed because of someone else.

Creating A Voice Profile

You can add your voice profile to your Alexa to recognize your voice. Now, this won’t stop it from responding to other voices, but it will help with controls.

Creating your voice profile is quite simple. Once you have your device set up, tell Alexa, “learn my voice.” Then she will proceed to direct you to complete a few exercises to help her better figure out who is talking to her.

You can also go through the Alexa app to set up your profile if you feel more comfortable doing it that way. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  • Open the Alexa application.
  • Click on “more” on the bottom right hand side of the screen.
  • Find “settings” and click on it.
  • Open “Your Profile & Family” and choose the family member you want your Alexa to recognize.
  • Find “Voice ID” and follow the instructions.

Once you are done with this, your Alexa will recognize who is speaking. This will help you with personalization of your account and other routines that are specific to you.

Outro

You can’t have the Alexa only respond to your voice, but you can personalize it so that it is less likely to be accessed by others. No one likes when someone comes in and changes your personalizations. It can be so frustrating!

Keep Reading