Understanding Zosi's Compatibility with Amazon Alexa
Integrating your security cameras with a smart home assistant like Amazon Alexa can offer convenient, hands-free control. While Zosi does offer a degree of Alexa integration, many users find that the compatibility is not as comprehensive as they might expect. Understanding these limitations is key to a frustration-free experience.
This guide will explain what you can and cannot do with Zosi and Alexa, and how to troubleshoot the connection if it's not working.
What "Alexa Compatible" Means for Zosi
For the vast majority of Zosi systems, Alexa compatibility is limited to one primary function: viewing a live video stream on an Alexa device with a screen.
This includes devices like:
- Amazon Echo Show
- Amazon Echo Spot
- Fire TV Stick (used with a television)
What You Typically CAN Do:
- Use a voice command like, "Alexa, show me the front door camera" to bring up a live feed.
What You Typically CANNOT Do:
- Arm or disarm your Zosi security system.
- Use two-way talk through your Echo device.
- View recorded playback footage.
- Receive motion announcements from Alexa (e.g., "Motion detected at the front door").
- Use cameras as triggers for Alexa Routines.
The integration is essentially a simple way to call up a live view without using your phone.
How to Connect Your Zosi System to Alexa
If this level of integration meets your needs, here is how to set it up.
Step 1: Use the Correct Zosi App
Zosi has used different apps over the years. The modern Alexa integration works through the "Zosi Smart" app. If you are using an older app like Zosi View or AVSS, the Alexa skill will likely not work. You must have your system set up and running in the Zosi Smart app first.
Step 2: Enable the "Zosi Smart" Skill in the Alexa App
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap on "More" in the bottom right corner, then select "Skills & Games."
- Tap the search icon and type in "Zosi Smart."
- Select the skill and tap "Enable to Use."
Step 3: Link Your Accounts
- After enabling the skill, you will be redirected to a Zosi login page.
- Enter the same username and password that you use for your Zosi Smart app.
- Authorize the connection between the two accounts.
Step 4: Discover Devices
- Once the accounts are linked, a confirmation screen will appear. Close it.
- The Alexa app will prompt you to discover devices. Tap "Discover Devices."
- Alexa will scan your Zosi account and should find the cameras you have set up. This may take a minute.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems
If Alexa isn't working with your Zosi cameras, try these steps.
- Use Simple Camera Names: Rename your cameras in the Zosi Smart app to something simple and easy to pronounce, like "Garden" or "Driveway." Avoid complex names with numbers and symbols. After renaming, ask Alexa to discover devices again.
- Check the Skill: Make sure you are using the "Zosi Smart" skill, not an older, deprecated Zosi skill that might still be listed.
- Relink the Skill: The most common fix for connection issues is to reset the link. In the Alexa app, disable the Zosi Smart skill. Then, re-enable it and go through the account linking process again.
- Update Firmware: Ensure your Zosi DVR/NVR and cameras have the latest firmware installed, as updates can often improve cloud connectivity.
- Patience with Streaming: When you ask to view a stream, it can sometimes take 10-20 seconds to load. Be patient. If it says "Camera is not responding," the connection may have timed out. Try the command again.
By understanding the system's limitations and following these setup steps, you can get the most out of the Zosi and Alexa integration.