Tend Camera and Alexa Not Working? How to Connect
Integrating your Tend camera with Amazon Alexa allows you to use voice commands to view your camera's live feed on an Echo Show, Fire TV, or other compatible device. It's a convenient way to quickly check in on your home. However, when the connection fails and Alexa reports that your camera is unresponsive or can't be found, it can be a frustrating experience.
If your Tend camera is not working with Alexa, this troubleshooting guide will walk you through the necessary steps to establish a stable connection. The solution almost always involves the Tend Secure Alexa skill.
Common Alexa Integration Problems
First, let's identify the specific issue you're facing. This will help you pinpoint the right solution.
- The Alexa app cannot discover the Tend camera after you've tried to add it.
- The Tend Secure skill is enabled, but it doesn't seem to work.
- Alexa says the camera is "not responding" or "offline" when you ask to see the feed.
- Voice commands to show the camera feed fail without any specific error message.
- The integration was working perfectly but has suddenly stopped.
- You receive an error message when trying to link your Tend and Amazon accounts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Tend to Alexa
Follow these steps in order to correctly link your accounts and troubleshoot any connection issues.
1. Enable the 'Tend Secure' Alexa Skill
This is the most critical step. Your Tend camera does not connect to Alexa directly; it connects via a piece of software called a "skill". You must enable and configure this skill first.
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap on "More" in the bottom right corner, then select "Skills & Games".
- Tap the search icon in the top right and search for "Tend Secure".
- Select the Tend Secure skill from the search results.
- Tap the "Enable to Use" button.
- You will now be redirected to a Tend login page. Enter your Tend Secure app login credentials (email and password).
- Follow the prompts to authorise the linking of your Amazon and Tend accounts.
If this account linking process fails, double-check that you are using the correct password for your Tend account.
2. Discover Your Devices
After you have successfully enabled the skill and linked your accounts, you need to prompt Alexa to scan for new compatible devices.
- Simply say the voice command: "Alexa, discover devices."
- Alternatively, in the Alexa app, go to the "Devices" tab, tap the "+" icon, and select "Add Device". Choose "Camera" and follow the on-screen prompts.
- The discovery process can take up to a minute. If successful, your Tend camera should now appear in your list of devices.
3. What to Do If the Camera Isn't Discovered
If the discovery process fails, the most reliable fix is to reset the skill connection completely.
- In the Alexa app, go back to the Tend Secure skill page.
- Tap "Disable Skill" and confirm.
- Wait about a minute.
- Tap "Enable to Use" again and repeat the account linking process.
- Once re-linked, try the device discovery process again. This "disable and re-enable" cycle resolves the majority of discovery issues.
4. Using the Correct Voice Commands
Once your camera is discovered and named (e.g., "Porch Camera"), you need to use the correct phrasing to view the feed.
- "Alexa, show me the [Camera Name]."
- "Alexa, show the [Camera Name] camera."
- "Alexa, hide the [Camera Name]." (To stop the feed)
If Alexa responds with "I'm not sure which camera you mean," go into the Devices tab in the Alexa app and confirm the exact name you gave your Tend camera.
5. If Alexa Says the Camera is "Not Responding"
If the camera is discovered but unresponsive, this usually points to a connectivity issue.
- Check the Tend Secure App: First, open the Tend app on your phone. Can you view the live stream there? If not, the problem is with the camera's own internet connection, not with Alexa.
- Power Cycle Your Camera: Unplug your Tend camera from its power source. Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to reboot and reconnect to your Wi-Fi.
- Reboot Your Router: A simple router reboot can often fix temporary network glitches that are preventing the camera from communicating with the cloud.
By following these steps, you can successfully link your Tend camera to Alexa and troubleshoot the most common connection problems.