Let’s take a look at some Alexa features you might want to disable right now.
2. Turn Off Alexa Hunches
Alexa Hunches is a feature that allows your Echo device to make suggestions based on your daily routines. For example, if you usually turn on the lights in the kitchen at a certain time, Alexa might suggest that you do so even if you don’t say anything.
Some people find this feature helpful, but others find it intrusive. If you’d rather not have Alexa making suggestions, you can disable the feature in the settings.
To do so, go to the Settings menu from the More tab in the Alexa app. From there, scroll down and tap on Hunches. From here, you can disable Hunches suggestions and Mobile notifications depending on your preferences.
Although disabling Hunches might make your Echo device less useful, it’s a personal preference. If you’re uncomfortable with the feature, it’s best to disable it.
3. Enable Brief Mode
What’s the one thing that people always complain about with virtual assistants? The fact that they talk too much! If you find Alexa’s responses to be too long, you can enable Brief Mode. This will make Alexa give shorter answers that are less detailed.
To enable Brief Mode, go to the Settings in your Alexa app. Under Alexa Preferences, tap on Voice Responses. From here, you can enable Brief Mode.
Most people prefer the shorter responses, but if you find them too brief, you can always disable the feature and go back to the longer responses.
4. Turn Off Echo Show’s Camera
If you have an Echo Show, you might not be comfortable with the fact that it has a camera. Although the camera is usually turned off, it’s still there and can be a bit unnerving. From a privacy standpoint, there’s really no reason to have the camera on unless you’re using it.
To turn off the camera, you need to toggle the switch on the top of the Echo Show. This will disable the camera without affecting any other features of the device.
5. Disable Drop In
Drop In is a feature that allows people to call your Echo device without you having to answer the call. If you have the feature enabled, anyone in your contact list you’ve previously approved can just call your Echo and start talking.
Although this might be handy in some situations, it’s also a potential privacy concern. If you’d rather not have people being able to Drop In on your Echo or Echo Show, you can disable the feature in the settings.
To do so, go to the Devices menu in the Alexa app and select Echo & Alexa. Now, select which device you want and tap on Communications and then Drop In. From here, you can turn off Drop In or limit it to specific devices.
6. Manage Skill Permissions
It’s best to be selective about the skills that you allow accessing your information. If you’re unsure about a skill, it’s best to err on the side of caution and disable it.
7. Disable the Use of Voice Recordings
The idea of a human listening to your voice recordings might be a bit unsettling. If you’re uncomfortable with that, you can disable using your voice recordings to improve Alexa’s accuracy.
