Getting Your Yale Devices to Work With Amazon Alexa
Controlling your Yale Smart Lock or security system with voice commands via Amazon Alexa is a powerful smart home feature. When it doesn't work, it can be frustrating. This guide will help you troubleshoot the common compatibility and connection issues between Yale and Alexa.
## The Most Important Component: The Wi-Fi Connection
The single biggest point of confusion when connecting a Yale Smart Lock to Alexa is understanding how it connects to the internet.
- Yale Smart Locks use Bluetooth: To conserve power, the lock itself communicates using low-power Bluetooth.
- Alexa uses Wi-Fi: Your Amazon Echo devices are connected to your home's Wi-Fi network.
To bridge this gap, you must have a Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge or a specific Yale Access Module installed. This small device plugs into a power socket near your lock, connects to the lock via Bluetooth, and then connects to your home's Wi-Fi network, acting as a translator between the lock and the internet.
If you do not have a Wi-Fi bridge or module installed and set up in the Yale Access app, Alexa will not be able to discover or control your lock.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
If you have the necessary hardware, follow these steps to resolve connection issues.
### 1. Use the Correct Alexa Skill
You need to link your Yale and Amazon accounts together using the correct skill.
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap on "More" in the bottom right, then select "Skills & Games".
- Tap the search icon and search for "Yale Access".
- Select the official skill and tap "Enable to Use".
- You will be prompted to enter your Yale Access account username and password. Use the same credentials you use to log into the Yale app.
- Once linked, ask Alexa to "discover devices".
### 2. Unlocking Your Door with Alexa
For security reasons, unlocking your door with your voice requires an extra step.
- When you ask, "Alexa, unlock the front door," she will respond by asking for your voice code.
- You need to set this 4-digit PIN code within the Alexa app. Go to the lock's device settings in the Alexa app and you will find the option to create a "Voice Code" for unlocking.
- This prevents someone from shouting through an open window or letterbox to unlock your door.
You do not need a voice code to lock the door.
### 3. If Alexa Says the Device is "Unresponsive"
This error means Alexa can't communicate with your Yale lock.
- Check the Yale App: First, open the Yale Access app. Can you control the lock from there when you are away from home (i.e., not on your local Wi-Fi)? If not, the problem is with the Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge's connection.
- Reboot the Bridge: Unplug the Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge from the wall socket. Wait for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for it to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and the lock.
- Reboot Your Router: Restart your main home Wi-Fi router to clear any potential network glitches.
- Relink the Skill: If the bridge is working correctly in the Yale app, the issue might be with the link to Alexa. Disable the "Yale Access" skill in the Alexa app and then re-enable it, logging in again with your Yale credentials.
By ensuring you have the right hardware and following these steps, you can solve most compatibility issues and enjoy the convenience of controlling your Yale security with Alexa.