Connecting Your Canary Camera to Amazon Alexa
Integrating your Canary security camera with Amazon Alexa allows you to use voice commands to view your camera's live stream on an Alexa device with a screen, such as an Echo Show, Echo Spot, or Fire TV. While Canary's marketing often focuses on its own app, rest assured that it is compatible with Alexa. If you're having trouble getting them to work together, this guide will walk you through the correct setup process and common troubleshooting steps.
## Compatibility Check
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A Canary Pro, Canary Flex, or Canary View camera that is set up and online in the Canary app.
- An Amazon Alexa device with a screen (e.g., Echo Show, Fire TV). You cannot stream video to audio-only devices like the Echo Dot.
- The Amazon Alexa app installed on your smartphone.
- Your Canary account login credentials (email and password).
## Step 1: Enabling the Canary Skill in the Alexa App
The key to connecting the two services is the Alexa "Skill." A skill is like an app that teaches Alexa how to interact with a specific third-party device or service.
- Open the Alexa App: Launch the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to Skills: Tap the "More" button in the bottom-right corner, then select "Skills & Games."
- Search for Canary: Tap the search icon (magnifying glass) in the top-right and type "Canary."
- Select and Enable: Tap on the Canary skill from the search results. It should be the official one with the Canary logo. Tap the "Enable To Use" button.
- Link Your Accounts: You will be redirected to a Canary login page. Enter the email address and password you use for your Canary account. Tap "Authorize" to grant Alexa permission to access your Canary devices.
- Confirmation: Once linked successfully, you'll see a confirmation message. You can now close this window.
## Step 2: Discovering Your Canary Devices
Just because the skill is enabled doesn't mean Alexa knows about your specific cameras yet. You need to tell Alexa to scan for new devices.
- Start Discovery: After linking the skill, the Alexa app may automatically start the discovery process. If not, simply say to your Alexa device, "Alexa, discover my devices."
- Wait for Completion: Alexa will take about 45 seconds to scan your network and linked accounts for new smart home devices.
- Confirmation: Alexa should announce that it has found your Canary camera(s). They will now appear in your device list within the Alexa app.
## Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem: Alexa can't find my camera after discovery.
- Solution 1: Relink the Skill: The most common fix is to disable and re-enable the skill. In the Alexa app, go to the Canary skill page and tap "Disable Skill." Then, tap "Enable" and go through the account linking process again before running discovery one more time.
- Solution 2: Check Camera Name: Ensure your camera has a simple, easy-to-pronounce name in the Canary app (e.g., "Living Room" or "Front Door"). Avoid complex names or special characters.
Problem: Alexa says "Device is unresponsive" or the stream won't load.
- Solution 1: Check Camera Status: Open the Canary app and make sure the camera you are trying to view is online and you can see its live feed there. If the camera is offline in the Canary app, Alexa won't be able to access it either.
- Solution 2: Check Network Speed: Video streaming requires a stable internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal at either your Canary camera or your Echo Show can cause the stream to fail.
Problem: Alexa doesn't understand the voice command.
- Solution: Be Specific: Use the exact name of the camera as it appears in your Alexa app. Say, "Alexa, show me the [Camera Name]." For example, "Alexa, show me the Living Room."
By following these steps, you can successfully link your Canary and Alexa accounts and enjoy the convenience of hands-free voice control for your security cameras.