Amazon is working hard to finally integrate Ring’s products into the Amazon family. The integration process has been a slow one. First we saw the ability to view Ring Camera’s through a Fire TV, Echo Show or Echo Spot. Later Amazon added two way communication via Echo Spot and Show to Ring camera’s and doorbells, allowing users to not just see, but speak to the people on camera. Next we saw the ability to use Echo devices as a doorbell chime. Now we’re finally seeing the ability to arm and disarm Ring Alarm by voice.
It’s funny that it took Amazon so long to add this feature, as we’ve been seeing this as a feature that ADT has been touting with their own Echo integration for almost a year. The update is still rolling out at the time of this post, so don’t be surprised if you have to update your Alexa app in order to see the feature.
In order to begin controlling your Ring Alarm by voice, you will need to do some housekeeping steps first. Initially, you’ll want to make sure the Ring skill is installed and that your account information is added in your Alexa app. Even if the skill is already installed, you should run a device discovery to make sure Alexa can communicate with your Ring Alarm. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, you should have already set up your Ring Alarm and installed its components before attempting this pairing.
Once this is complete, you will be able to issue the following commands to Alexa:
Alexa, arm Ring
Alexa, set Ring to home
Alexa, set Ring to away
Alexa, is Ring armed?
In order to be able to disarm Ring Alarm by voice, you will need to configure the Ring skill in the Alexa app to allow the command. I was only able to complete this configuration through a phone or tablet, and not the web interface.
First, open the Alexa app, then tap the smart home devices button on the bottom right of the screen
At the top of the screen scroll all the way to the right until you see All Devices and tap it
Find Ring (you may have named your device something different. It will have a shield icon with a checkbox in the center) in the device list and tap it
Tap the Disarm by voice switch
You will first be prompted to enter your Amazon password. If you have enabled 2FA, you will also have to enter the code that Amazon texts your phone.
You will be returned to the Ring configuration screen where Disarm by voice will now be active
Once this setup is complete, you can finally say Alexa, disarm Ring. You will be prompted to say your four digit pin number to complete the command.
