Can't Get Cove to Work with Amazon Alexa?
Integrating your Cove security system with Amazon Alexa allows for convenient, hands-free control of your home's security. Being able to arm your system with a simple voice command is a powerful feature. However, when the connection fails or devices don't respond, it can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through the steps to fix common Cove and Alexa integration issues.
## Understanding the Integration
Before troubleshooting, it's important to understand how the two systems work together. The connection is not direct; it relies on the Cove Security skill within the Alexa app. This skill acts as the bridge between Amazon's servers and Cove's servers. Problems usually occur at one of three points:
- Skill Enablement: The skill isn't enabled or linked correctly.
- Account Linking: The credentials used to link the accounts are incorrect.
- Device Discovery: Alexa hasn't properly scanned for or identified your Cove devices.
How to Fix Cove and Alexa Connection Problems
Follow these steps in order to get your voice commands working.
### 1. Correctly Enable the Cove Security Skill
This is the foundational step. If it's not done right, nothing else will work.
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap "More" in the bottom right corner, then select "Skills & Games".
- Tap the search icon and type in "Cove Security".
- Select the official skill and tap "Enable to Use".
- You will now be prompted to link your account. Enter the same email address and password that you use to log in to your Cove app. Be careful with typos and case sensitivity.
- Once you successfully log in, the accounts will be linked.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the account linking fails, immediately go to your Cove app and log out, then log back in with your credentials to ensure you are using the correct password.
### 2. Discover Your Devices
After linking the skill, you must prompt Alexa to find your Cove system.
- After the skill is enabled, the Alexa app should automatically start a search for new devices.
- If it doesn't, simply say to your Echo device, "Alexa, discover my devices."
- Alternatively, you can manually start discovery in the Alexa app by going to the "Devices" tab, tapping the "+" icon, and selecting "Add Device".
- Alexa should find your Cove panel and add it as a device.
### 3. Use the Correct Voice Commands
It's important to use phrasing that Alexa understands for the Cove skill. The primary function is arming the system.
- To Arm in Stay Mode: "Alexa, arm Cove in stay."
- To Arm in Away Mode: "Alexa, arm Cove in away."
- To Check System Status: "Alexa, is Cove armed?"
Important Security Note: You cannot disarm your Cove system using Alexa. This is a deliberate security measure to prevent an unauthorized person from yelling a disarm command from outside your home. Disarming must be done via the panel, keypad, key fob, or the Cove app.
### 4. If Commands Stop Working: Disable and Re-enable
If the integration was working previously but has now stopped, the connection token between the services may have expired. The quickest fix is to reset the connection.
- Open the Alexa app and navigate to the Cove Security skill.
- Tap "Disable Skill".
- Once disabled, tap "Enable to Use" again and re-enter your Cove login credentials.
- You may need to run device discovery again afterwards.
This process resolves the vast majority of issues where a previously working connection fails.
Still Not Working?
If you have followed all these steps and the integration is still failing, check that your Cove system is online and functioning correctly through its own app. If Cove is working fine but the Alexa connection remains broken, the issue may be on the server side. You can wait a while and try again, or contact Cove support to inquire if there are any known issues with the Alexa integration service.