Ezviz Not Working With Alexa or Google Home?
Integrating your Ezviz security cameras with third-party applications like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT unlocks powerful features like voice commands and advanced home automation. When this integration fails, it can be a significant inconvenience. This expert guide is here to help you troubleshoot and resolve the most common issues that prevent Ezviz from working with other apps.
Whether you can't see your camera's live feed on a smart display or voice commands are failing, we'll walk you through the essential checks to get everything connected and running smoothly.
## Identifying the Third-Party App Issue
First, let's pinpoint the exact problem you are facing. The solution can differ depending on the symptom.
Common Integration Problems:
- Video Feed Fails to Load: You ask Alexa or Google to show your Ezviz camera on a smart display (like an Echo Show or Nest Hub), but it results in a "Camera is not responding" error or a black screen.
- Device Not Discovered: After linking the Ezviz skill, your third-party app fails to find any of your Ezviz cameras.
- Voice Commands Don't Work: Simple commands like "turn on/off the camera" fail or are not recognised.
- IFTTT Applets Fail: Your custom IFTTT (If This Then That) automations that use your Ezviz camera as a trigger are not running.
- "Skill is not enabled" Error: You receive an error message telling you to link the Ezviz skill, even though you believe you already have.
These problems typically arise from specific Ezviz settings or authentication issues between the services.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Ezviz Integrations
Follow these steps in a logical order to diagnose and fix the problem.
### 1. Disable Image Encryption (The Most Common Fix)
This is the single most important setting that prevents video streaming to third-party services. For security, Ezviz encrypts your video stream with a password by default. Alexa and Google cannot access the stream while this is active.
- Open the Ezviz mobile app.
- Select the camera you want to integrate.
- Tap the gear icon to go to its Settings.
- Find and tap on "Image Encryption".
- Turn off the toggle switch for Image Encryption. You may need to enter your device verification code (usually found on a sticker on the camera itself) to confirm this action.
- Once disabled, try asking your smart display to show the camera feed again. This resolves the issue for the vast majority of users.
### 2. Relink the Ezviz Skill or Service
The connection between Ezviz and the other app can sometimes become stale or corrupt. Refreshing this link is a powerful troubleshooting step.
- For Amazon Alexa:
- Open the Alexa app, go to More > Skills & Games > Your Skills.
- Find the Ezviz skill and disable it.
- Wait a moment, then re-enable the skill, logging in with your Ezviz account credentials when prompted.
- For Google Home:
- Open the Google Home app, tap Devices > Add > Works with Google.
- Find Ezviz in your list of linked services, tap it, and choose "Unlink account".
- Once unlinked, add the Ezviz service again and complete the login process.
After relinking, ask the voice assistant to "discover devices" to ensure it has the latest list of your cameras.
### 3. Update All Firmware and Software
Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance and fix compatibility bugs.
- Update Camera Firmware: In the Ezviz app, go to your camera's settings and check for any available firmware updates.
- Update Your Apps: Ensure you have the latest versions of the Ezviz app, the Alexa app, and the Google Home app installed from your phone's app store.
### 4. Check Your Network and Camera Status
Basic connectivity issues can also cause integration failures.
- Verify Camera is Online: In the Ezviz app, ensure the camera you are trying to access shows an "Online" status and that you can view its live feed there. If it's offline in the Ezviz app, you must troubleshoot that primary connection issue first.
- Reboot Your Camera: A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary glitches. Unplug your Ezviz camera from its power source, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
By methodically checking these settings, particularly the crucial Image Encryption feature, you can overcome the most common obstacles and successfully integrate your Ezviz cameras with your favourite smart home platforms.