Amazon just rolled out Alexa Guard to all Echo users.

But it’s not a full security system.

What Is Alexa Guard?

Tuya Wi-Fi IR Blaster on a wooden desk.

Alexa Guardis a new free service from Amazon for Amazon Echo users.

If an Echo detects any of those noises, it will send you an alert.

Amazon accomplishes this feat by altering the wake word behavior for your Echo devices.

A woman looking frustrated surround by smart home tech.

In other words, your Echo listens for these sounds just like it listens for “Alexa.”

When you deactivate guard mode, your Echo returns to its standard behavior.

Beyond listening for trouble, Guard can take some basic preventative actions.

All cameras and smart hub from Reolink that made it to works with home assist certified.

You choose which smart lights are automated, so your basement light isn’t turning on and off pointlessly.

Your Echo will say it’s starting or stopping guarding.

You’ll receive an Alexa notification on your phone, too.

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Smart Alerts are provided for informational purposes only.

This is something to keep in mind.

Alexa Guard won’t get in touch with the police or fire department for you.

Alexa notifications turning guard on and off.

Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek

If your house catches fire or a burglar smashes all your windows, you won’t receive the notifications.

Home security is just as much about prevention and reaction.

Deterring a home invasion is better than interrupting one.

Simplisafe Next to an Amazon Echo

Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek

Guard’s smart light integration makes it look like you’re home, and that’s helpful.

Amazon says Alexa Guard is compatible withRingandADT monitored services.

Others may be compatible as well.

Alexa app with arrow pointing to upper right-hand corner hamburger menu.

Start by opening the Alexa app on your phone.

Tap the hamburger menu in the upper left corner.

Tap “configs” in the menu sidebar.

Alexa app with box around Settings option.

Scroll down the list of options until you see “Guard” and tap on it.

Tap “Add” for each thing you want to enable.

You’ll find some lights selected automatically.

Alexa app with box around Guard option.

Check any you want to add and uncheck any you don’t want in the rotation.

Tap “Continue” once you’ve chosen your lights.

Finally, tap “Confirm” to finish the setup process.

Amazon app with box around "set up guard" option.

When you get home tell Alexa “I’m home” and Guard will disarm.

You’ll receive notifications on your phone when Guard turns on and off.

Once you understand what Alexa Guard does, it’s quite powerful.

Alexa app with box around a light to add and the continue button.

Without having to buy glass breaking sensors or smart thermostats, you get on-the-go notifications from your home.

It won’t solve every worst-case scenario.