Amazon Alexa, the intelligent voice assistant function on the Echo speaker is supposed to be a convenience for people to help them shop through voice commands.
However, not only adults but also technology savvy kids are able to instruct Alexa and able to purchase stuff.
Kids are using Alexa through the Amazon Echo speaker to order whatever they want, from a pony to a dollhouse to even cookies! While this may seem fun and games to children, the poor parents have to bear the brunt of their shopping expeditions.
Parents are left with a huge hole in their pocket or tangled in the mess of returning all the goods back to Amazon. As every problem comes with a solution, there are certain tips and tricks, adults can use to stop kids from ordering on Amazon through Alexa.
Here's a look at the handy tips which will ensure your kids stop shopping via Amazon Echo or you making any accidental purchases.
Keep Changing The "Wake Word" Frequently
One can change the Wake Word or the name Alexa responds to, to stop kids from purchasing via Amazon Echo. Most users keep it in the default mode, which is "Alexa", but there are a number of options one can choose from. To change the Wake Word, one can follow the below steps.
Step 1: Navigate to the Alexa app on the smartphone or to echo.amazon.com.
Step 2: Go to the Settings option, choose "Wake Word". One can find the Settings option on the left hand side.
Step 3: From the Wake Word option select the drop down menu. Next choose the new Wake Word for example "Ola" and then select Save Changes.
Configure A Confirmation Code For The Purchase
Putting a confirmation code before any purchase is like putting a password before any transaction. To put in the confirmation code for Amazon Echo, the Echo Dot or any other Alexa-enabled device one has to follow the simple steps listed below:
Step 1: Go to Amazon Alexa app on the smartphone or log on to echo.amazon.com with your Amazon credentials.
Step 2: On the left hand side, select Settings and then go to option Voice Purchasing.
Step 3: Select the Require Confirmation Code option and enter four digits of your choice. Simply save the changes.
Disable Voice Purchase
This is the last resort if none of the other options work. To disable Alexa entirely, follow the steps listed below:
Step 1: Select Amazon Alexa app or log on to echo.amazon.com with your Amazon credentials.
Step 2: Choose the Settings option from the left hand side of the screen and select Voice Purchasing.
Step 3: Turn off the toggle next to Purchase by Voice. The voice feature is now disabled.
Hope these steps help, if you known any other way to stop kids purchasing via Amazon Echo or Echo Dot, do let us know in the comments below.
