Smart speakers have evolved from simple tools into do-it-all devices that can do much more than what you ask. But if we’re being honest, they’re not actually as useful as they could be straight out of the box. With that in mind, to make your Echo truly useful, you should disable the features that prioritize Amazon’s “engagement” over your actual needs. You’ll be a lot happier in the end.
If you’re setting up an Alexa device, you’ll find certain settings are enabled by default that can be annoying, time-consuming or threaten your privacy. My suggestion? Shut them off right away for a far better experience. Here’s where to start.
Turn off Hunches and Things to Try from Alexa
You can access the features I discuss here by going to the More menu and using these settings.
In the Alexa app, visit the hamburger-line More/Menu icon at the bottom to open the larger menu. Then head to Settings > Hunches > the Hunches Settings gear icon in the upper right > Notifications. Here you’ll find options to disable Hunches entirely.
Alexa also pipes up about other opportunities, notably, Things to Try. That’s also annoying, but it’s equally easy to deal with. Head back to Settings > Things to Try and disable the function here.
You can try to disable these settings by giving voice commands, such as, “Alexa, disable Hunches.”But I’ve found this method to be hit or miss, even if Alexa agrees to do it, so if you keep hearing suggestions, try the manual way.
Stop Amazon from saving your voice recordings
You can adjust what info Alexa skills can acess.
While you’re browsing the Alexa Privacy page, take a moment to check the Manage Skill Permissions menu. It shows which skills (Amazon’s name for apps and features) can access everything from your address and contact info to your Amazon Prime payment details.
Many permissions are off by default, but it’s worth checking every so often which skills you’ve enabled over the years and whether any have one-time access you’d rather not leave on forever.
To control these permissions, tap More > Alexa Privacy > Manage Skill Permissions and Ad Preferences. From here, you can choose the data type you want to access and then toggle each skill on or off.
If you use Alexa Plus, go to Manage Alexa+ Services using the prompt at the top of the permissions screen. Here you’ll be able to manage the more in-depth Alexa Plus skills and how they activate, if you’ve chosen to connect any of them.
Turn off Amazon voice purchasing
If Alexa keeps making noises when you’re close, you can stop it.
When you set up your Echo device, you may find that it chimes or makes a noise whenever someone walks nearby. That’s annoying when the Echo is in a central spot. Fortunately, it’s easy to turn off. Simply head to More > Settings > Notifications > Notification Preferences > Notify When Nearby. You can disable this feature from here.
Turn off Alexa’s Drop In and Announcements features
Sidewalk takes a bit of bandwidth and you may want to shut it down.
Amazon Sidewalk has been controversial since its debut. It’s a shared network that automatically links compatible smart home devices — including Echo speakers, Ring cameras and certain smart lights — creating a mesh-style network that boosts range and connectivity for your devices and others nearby.
That’s left people uneasy about Amazon Sidewalk’s privacy implications, from fears about tracking locations or activity to concerns about it siphoning off internet bandwidth. It’s no surprise that Sidewalk frequently prompts a quick “How do I turn this off?” reaction.
To do just that, simply head to the More menu > Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk. Here you’ll find a toggle to disable it.
