Troubleshooting Cove with Third-Party Apps (Alexa & Google Assistant)
Integrating your Cove security system with smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant adds a powerful layer of convenience, allowing you to arm your system and check its status using simple voice commands. However, when this link doesn't work as expected, it can be a source of frustration.
This guide is designed to help you resolve the most common issues encountered when trying to connect and use your Cove system with these third-party applications.
Common Problems with Cove Smart Home Integration
- You are unable to successfully link your Cove account within the Alexa or Google Home app.
- Alexa or Google Assistant reports that it cannot find any Cove devices.
- Voice commands to arm the system or check its status do not work.
- Your Cove devices (like door sensors or motion detectors) appear as 'offline' or 'unresponsive' in the third-party app.
- The integration was working previously but has suddenly stopped.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Integration Issues
Let's walk through the solutions to get your smart home commands working smoothly.
### 1. Ensure You're Using the Correct Skill/Action
First, make sure you have enabled the correct integration.
- For Amazon Alexa: Open the Alexa app, go to Skills & Games, and search for "Cove Smart". This is the official skill you need to enable.
- For Google Assistant: Open the Google Home app, tap the '+' icon, select 'Set up device', then 'Works with Google'. Search for and select "Cove Smart".
### 2. Check Your Cove Account Credentials
The most common point of failure during the setup process is entering the wrong login details.
- When the Alexa or Google app prompts you to link your account, you must enter the exact same email address and password that you use to log into the main Cove app or website.
- If you're unsure, try logging out and back into your Cove app to confirm you have the correct password. Reset your Cove password if necessary, and then try the linking process again.
### 3. Rediscover Devices
If you've recently added a new sensor or camera to your Cove system, your smart home app won't know about it automatically. You need to prompt a rediscovery.
- For Alexa: Simply say, "Alexa, discover new devices." The app will scan for any new additions linked via your skills.
- For Google Assistant: You may need to refresh the connection. A common way to do this is to say, "Hey Google, sync my devices." If that doesn't work, unlinking and relinking the Cove Smart action (see step 5) will force a full refresh.
### 4. Understanding Command Structure
Make sure you are using the correct phrases to control your system. The general format is:
- "Alexa, ask Cove to arm stay."
- "Alexa, ask Cove to arm away."
- "Alexa, ask Cove for the system status."
Important Security Note: For your protection, you cannot disarm your Cove system using a standard voice command through Alexa or Google Assistant. This is a security feature to prevent an unauthorized person from shouting through a door or window to disarm your alarm.
### 5. Unlink and Relink Your Account
If all else fails, refreshing the connection from scratch is the most reliable solution. This resolves any token or authentication errors that may have occurred in the background.
- Disable the Skill/Action:
- In the Alexa app, find the Cove Smart skill and choose 'Disable Skill'.
- In the Google Home app, find the linked Cove Smart service and choose 'Unlink account'.
- Wait a Few Minutes: Give the systems a moment to process the disconnection.
- Re-enable and Link: Go through the initial setup process again, searching for the "Cove Smart" skill/action and entering your Cove login credentials when prompted.
This process will re-establish a fresh, secure connection between your Cove system and your chosen smart assistant, resolving the vast majority of communication issues.