Help with Amazon Alexa
Do you have questions about our partner product Amazon Alexa and its integration into the Bosch Smart Home System?
Do you have questions about our partner product Amazon Alexa and its integration into the Bosch Smart Home System? We will be happy to help you. Find out more here.
The most frequently asked questions about Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa
How do I activate the new Amazon Alexa Skill if I do not yet use Amazon Alexa for voice control?
To activate voice control via Amazon Alexa, please open the item "More" --> "Partner" in the Bosch Smart Home app and activate the Bosch Smart Home Cloud. Then switch to the Amazon Alexa app and search for "Bosch Smart Home". Activate the skill and follow the instructions in the Amazon Alexa app
I have received a notification that a new Amazon Alexa Skill is available. What does this mean for me if I already use Amazon Alexa?
In order to provide our users with an improved voice control experience, it is recommended that you stop using the old Bosch Smart Home Skill in Amazon Alexa and switch to the new improved Skill.To do this, you need to do the following: In the Bosch Smart Home app, open the item "More" --> "Partner" --> "Smart Home Cloud". Activate the Smart Home Cloud.Now switch to the Amazon Alexa app and activate the new Bosch Smart Home Skill.Then deactivate the old Bosch Smart Home Skill. The old Bosch Smart Home Skill is marked with the word [Classic]. Switch back to the Bosch Smart Home app. Navigate back to the partners and under "External partners" please deactivate Amazon Alexa. Use the voice command "Alexa, find my devices" to detect your devices.
How can I submit a rating and review for the Bosch Smart Home Alexa Skill?
To be able to rate the Bosch Smart Home Alexa Skill and write a customer review, you need an active Amazon account. Go to the Amazon page for the Bosch Smart Home Alexa Skill. After logging in to the Amazon account, you can submit a rating and review.
Amazon Alexa is integrated as a partner in the system. How do you deal with the issue of data protection and privacy or how can this be agreed?
At Bosch Smart Home, data protection and security and the associated rights of the users have the highest priority, which is why Bosch Smart Home ensures maximum security. This still applies to Bosch Smart Home and our solutions. We are working intensively on customer needs and have discussed with numerous potential smart home customers. Speech is an interesting control option in the smart home that is enjoying growing popularity. We also want to meet this customer need with the possibility of controlling the Bosch Smart Home System via Amazon Alexa. Every user can decide for himself whether he wants to use the advantage of the Alexa voice service, and thus agree to the data protection and privacy conditions of Amazon. For customers who have a high need for data protection/privacy, Bosch Smart Home with the Smart Home App, the universal switch and the scenario manager for control (without using voice control) is still the right choice. Background information: In order to control Bosch Smart Home components via Amazon Alexa using voice commands (so-called skills), the user must connect the relevant Smart Home components to Amazon Alexa/Echo (so-called pairing). As part of the pairing process, Bosch obtains the user's consent to the transfer of any personal data to Amazon. Bosch has no influence on the associated processing of personal data by Amazon. It is subject to Amazon's responsibility and the user and data protection regulations.
What is a "skill" in connection with "Alexa" and how do I add or remove it (Amazon)?
In order for the voice control service "Alexa" to control a device, "Alexa" must first learn the skills of the corresponding device. For example, if the Bosch Smart Home outdoor camera is to be operated via "Alexa", "Alexa" must be informed of all functions that can be operated (switch camera on, switch light on/off, switch live stream via Fire-TV on/off). This set of functions and the "ability" to control them is called "skill". The activation itself is done via the individual Amazon user account. (Amazon.de-> All Categories -> Echo & Alexa -> Alexa Skills) Here you select the product (the skill) from a list, add it to your own user account and then connect it to the Bosch user account by entering your access data. Afterwards "Alexa" has learned which cameras you own, what they are called and which commands "she" can execute. You can just as easily remove these abilities and thus deactivate voice control by "Alexa".
Is "Alexa" always listening, and if so, how do I turn it off?
If the respective devices that support Amazon's voice control service "Alexa" are switched on, then "Alexa" actually listens constantly in order to record the commands. In order to maintain your privacy, you can switch off "Alexa's" "ears" in the form of the built-in microphone on most devices directly or, if you want to be absolutely sure, you can disconnect it from the power supply, for example via the Bosch Smart Home Smart Plug or by simply "pulling the plug". Final you can deactivate voice control via Alexa by removing the respective "skill" from your Amazon user account.
Which Amazon "Alexa" products can I use to display the camera image?
These devices support Alexa with video: Echo Show (all generations) Fire TV Stick Fire TV Box Fire Tablets from the 4th generation The display of the images or the video stream can only be initiated directly via the voice remote control of the respective Amazon end device, since Amazon does not support the function to pass on commands via e.g.: an "Echo Dot" to a Fire TV component. Important note: All devices supported by "Alexa" that do not have a display or picture output via HDMI cannot display a video stream or pictures either and "Alexa" therefore gives direct feedback that cameras are not supported by this device.
Can I view my camera image from location A in location B through an Amazon FireTV product?
Yes, you can. The "FireTV" stick or "FireTV" box and its corresponding remote control must be in the same place - but not the device to be operated.For example, the camera could theoretically be installed in your home while you are in the office using a FireTV stick connected to your Amazon Alexa account. This would allow you to transfer the camera's image from your home to a device (e.g. TV) in the office.
In which resolution are the images of the Bosch Smart Home Camera displayed on the Fire-TV connected end devices (Amazon)?
The Bosch Smart Home Cameras record their clips in Full HD quality. The livestream is displayed on a terminal device connected to the Fire-TV with a slightly reduced picture quality to counteract any bandwidth problems.
What are the minimum system requirements for using the full functionality of "Alexa" with Bosch smart home products?
When using our Bosch Smart Camera products, we recommend an internet connection with a stable speed of at least 10 Mbit downstream and 2 Mbit upstream. In all other cases, we recommend that you read and implement the system requirements stated on the respective packaging of our components.
What do I need to view the video stream from my Bosch smart home camera on a TV via "Alexa"?
You will need your installed Bosch Smart Home Camera, an Amazon "FireTV" product with the corresponding "Voice Remote", which supports the voice control service "Alexa" and a video-capable device which is connected to the "FireTV" product. A stable internet connection with a speed of at least 10 MBit Down- and 2 MBit Upstream is required. After you have assigned the Bosch Smart Home Camera skill to "Alexa" via your Amazon user account, you can call up the corresponding stream with the command "Alexa, show me the image of the (name) camera.
"Alexa" does not recognize my camera name or my camera commands with another person this works very well. What can I do?
Even the intelligent voice control service "Alexa" still has to learn something in some places. After a few successful calls, Alexa recognizes the camera name increasingly better. A few small tips may help: Speak more slowly and with a rather deep voice, with clear pauses between the words and please without dialect coloring. What Alexa has understood, you can read in the course of the interview. To do so, go to the Amazon Alexa App and select the menu item "-> Settings -> Alexa Account -> History".
Why can't I switch off the camera via "Alexa"?
This has been done intentionally, because otherwise potentially unwanted "guests" could evade a security-relevant recording even before entering a room by simply saying "Alexa, switch off all cameras".
How do I prevent Amazon's "Alexa" from accidentally triggering any random commands from a distance?
You have Bosch Smart Home Cameras yourself and already control them via Amazon's "Alexa" - now a friend of yours is going on vacation and shares the picture of his Bosch Smart Home Cameras with you. Regardless of whether your friend uses Amazon's "Alexa" or not, you can now control the following functions on your friend's camera via Alexa: Switch camera light on/off (if it is an outdoor camera) Stream camera image over a FireTV product (on/off)
How do I prevent Amazon's "Alexa" from accidentally triggering any random commands from a distance?
Basically "Alexa" can be controlled remotely via the corresponding Amazon "Alexa App". Voice commands are only accepted to a limited extent, for example via the Amazon "Music App" - the range of functions is then comparable to that of an Amazon "Echo Dot" device. In this respect, faulty operation is only possible to a limited extent and only with direct access via the unlocked mobile device. If you want to avoid this risk, you can either disconnect the Amazon devices at home from the power supply or the Internet or you can secure your mobile device against unauthorized access by third parties.
Why can't I hear any sound when I display the camera picture via "Alexa" on an Amazon Fire TV / Echo device with a screen?
At the moment we only support the forwarding of video data via the Amazon "FireTV" devices and Echo products with screen. The transfer of the audio data is not desired by Amazon. A time frame for the realization cannot be given.
Can I also use the intercom function of the cameras via Alexa?
This is a function that is not yet supported by Amazon's "Alexa". However, we are currently checking e.g.: the technical possibilities of the smart display Amazon "Show" with regard to this function.
How can I control the Bosch Smart Home System with Alexa (voice control, Alexa)?
You can link your Bosch smart home system with Alexa external service in the following way: 1. Go to the following menu item in your Bosch Smart Home App: More -> Partner -> Amazon Alexa 2. create your personal Bosch ID if necessary. You may already have this because you have purchased from the Bosch Smart Home Shop or have a Bosch Smart Home Camera. In the best case, use your existing Bosch ID. 3 Afterwards please go to your Alexa App. Please search here for the Bosch Smart Home Skill and activate it: Activate skill -> Voice command: "Alexa, search devices". 4. link the found devices with the Bosch ID from step 2.
I get the error message: "Value outside the defined range" when I try to control my shutters with Alexa. What does that mean (voice control)?
The message "Value outside the defined range" indicates that you probably wanted to set your roller shutters to a value above 100% or below 0%. This is not possible. If you still have questions or problems controlling your roller shutters with Alexa, please contact our customer support.
How can I connect the Bosch Smart Home System to "Alexa" (voice control, Alexa)?
Activate Alexa in your Bosch Smart Home App under Settings => Privacy => External Connections => Amazon Alexa. Then activate the Bosch Smart Home Skill in Amazon Alexa and search for available devices. All Bosch Smart Home System devices are then available here. If you need help with this, please contact our customer support.
I can't control the devices immediately after integrating Amazon Alexa via voice control. What can I do (voice control, Alexa)?
It can take up to 2 minutes until Amazons Alexa can finally assign the device names to the corresponding devices. Please have a little patience. Should the device still not appear, please contact our customer support.
Why can't I activate scenarios with "deactivate alarm system" with Alexa (voice control, Alexa)?
This has been done intentionally, as otherwise potentially unwanted "guests" could also deactivate your alarm system before entering a room with a simple "Alexa, activate scenario Come home".
How do I deactivate Amazons Alexa again (voice control, Alexa)?
You can remove the skill at any time. To do this, go to the Amazon Alexa App. You can also deactivate the Amazon Alexa function in the Bosch Smart Home App under Settings => Privacy => External Connections. If you need help with this, please contact our customer support.
I cannot control my Philips lamps with Amazon Alexa. What can I do (voice control, Alexa, Hue)?
Please activate the Philips Hue Skill in the Amazon Alexa App and then search for new smart home devices. You can then also control your Philips Hue products. Should the device still not appear, please contact our customer support.
I have activated the Bosch Smart Home Skill. But Amazon Alexa cannot find the cameras (voice control, Alexa, cameras)?
To control the Bosch Smart Home Cameras you have to activate the Bosch Smart Camera Skill in the Amazon Alexa App. Afterwards you will find the cameras in a new search for smart home devices in the Alexa App. Should the device still not appear, please contact our customer support.
My room name is not recognized. What can I do (voice control, Alexa)?
Names for rooms and devices are best recognized if they are a word or a noun that Alexa can understand. For example, study instead of Max Mustermann's room. Amazon has trained speech recognition on common names. If you still have questions or problems with the integration, accessibility or use of the skill, please feel free to contact our customer support.
Amazon Alexa says "device not responding". What can I do (voice control, Alexa)?
Please make sure that remote access is enabled and that the device was also found in the Amazon Alexa app. Should the device still not appear, please contact our customer support.
How can I operate the roller shutters with Alexa (voice control, Alexa)?
With the following commands the shutters can be operated with Alexa (example): "Alexa, set >roller shutter name< to xx%" e.g. "Alexa, set roller shutter kitchen to 50%" "Alexa, increase >roller shutter name< to xx%" e.g. "Alexa, increase roller shutter kitchen to 50%" "Alexa, lower >roller shutter name< to xx%" e.g. "Alexa, lower kitchen roller shutter to 50%"
Amazon's Alexa cannot find my device/scenario. What can I do (voice control, Alexa)?
Please make sure that you name the device exactly as it was named in the Bosch Smart Home App (or renamed in the Amazon Alexa App). If you have added a new device/scenario, you will need to search for it again in the Amazon Alexa app. Only then can you operate it using voice control. Scenarios with "deactivate alarm system" not currently not possible to control with Amazon Alexa. Alexa reacts best to the following commands: Alexa, switch on "device" Alexa, switch off "device" Alexa, set "device" to x percent Alexa, make my "device" brighter Alexa, dim the "device" Alexa, dim the "device" to x Alexa, set "device" to x degrees Alexa, reduce "device" Alexa, reduce "device" by x degrees Alexa, raise "device" Alexa, raise "device" by x degrees Alexa, show "device" Should the expected devices or scenarios still not appear, please contact our customer support.
How can I connect the shutters or light control with Amazon Alexa (voice control, Alexa)?
Both roller shutters and lighting control can be controlled using scenarios with Alexa. To be able to control your light controls with Amazon Alexa, please make sure that the Bosch Smart Home Skill is activated in your Alexa app. If not, you can search for Bosch Smart Home in the Amazon Alexa app under "Smart Home" -> "My Smart Home Skills" -> "Add Skill" -> search for Bosch Smart Home. You can then connect the devices by voice. Just say: "Alexa, search devices".
I have problems pairing my Bosch Smart Home App and my Alexa account (voice control, Alexa)?
A possible cause can be different accounts. This means that different accounts (Bosch IDs) are used for the skill in the Bosch Smart Home App and the Amazon Alexa App. Which account was used in the Bosch Smart Home App can no longer be seen after the activation for Alexa. Please proceed as follows: 1. Please empty your app cache. 2. Remove the activation in the Smart Home App and activate again (Settings > Privacy > External Accounts > Amazon Alexa) 3. Enter the Bosch ID there. 4. Open the Alexa app and find the Bosch Smart Home Skill (Menu > Skills and Games). 5. Please link your account to the same Bosch ID that was used in your Smart Home app. If you still have questions or problems with the integration, accessibility or use of the skill, please contact our customer support.
How can I control the Bosch Smart Home System with Alexa (voice control, Alexa)?
To connect your Bosch smart home system with Amazon Alexa, open the Bosch smart home app and navigate to "More". Under "Partners", select the "Smart Home Cloud". Activate the "Smart Home Cloud" if you have not already done so. Now switch to the Amazon Alexa app and search for "Bosch Smart Home".Note: You may be shown two skills. Do not select the "Bosch Smart Home (Classic)".Activate the skill and then search for Bosch Smart Home products.
Do I need different skills for Bosch Smart Home System and the smart cameras (Alexa, voice control)?
Currently, yes. You need the Bosch Smart Camera Skill for your cameras and the Bosch Smart Home Skill for the system. Please note that if you subsequently add new products, you will have to restart the search for new devices in the Amazon Alexa App. If you still have questions or problems with the integration, please contact our customer support.
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0808 1011 151
(toll-free service number for calls from UK)