Manage voice recordings
You can view, hear, and delete your voice recordings at Alexa Privacy Settings or in the Alexa app at any time.
Amazon designs Alexa and Echo devices with multiple layers of privacy protection. From microphone and camera controls to the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, you have transparency and control over your Alexa experience.
Built to protect your privacy
How do I know when my device is recording? Is Alexa always listening? Explore how Alexa and Echo devices work, and learn about the features and controls that protect your privacy.
Alexa and Echo devices provide transparency and control
Alexa and all of our Echo devices are designed with your privacy in mind. When you want to talk to Alexa, you have to first alert your device by saying the wake word, which by default is “Alexa” or by pressing the action button on the device. Only then does your device begin recording and sending your request to Amazon's secure cloud.
All of your interactions with Alexa are encrypted in transit to Amazon’s cloud where they are securely stored.
You’ll always be able to tell when Alexa is listening to your request because a light indicator will appear on your Echo device or an audible tone will sound.
Echo smart speakers have a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones.
On Echo devices with a camera, you can turn the camera and microphones off with one press of a button. Most Echo Show devices also include a built in shutter that allows you to easily cover the camera for additional peace of mind.
At Alexa Privacy Settings or in the Alexa app, you can view, hear, and delete your voice recordings or choose not to have your voice recordings saved. To delete by voice, just say, “Alexa, delete what I just said” to delete the voice recording of your last request or "Alexa, delete everything I’ve said today" to delete your voice recordings for that day.
Ever wonder why Alexa responded a certain way? Just say, “Alexa, tell me what you heard” and Alexa will read back your most recent voice request. You can also ask, “Alexa, why did you do that?” and Alexa will provide a short explanation about the response to your last voice request.
We want you to feel fully informed and aware of the privacy options that make the most sense for you. Simply say, “Alexa, how do I review my privacy settings?” and Alexa will send you a direct link in the Alexa app to your Alexa Privacy Settings. There, you can learn more about how different privacy features work and you can choose the privacy options that are right for you.
