Security with a Digital Assistant

Google recently added an Alarm.com action to Google Home. Google and Amazon both have impressive offerings for digital assistants, and now both can perform security and automation commands through your Alarm.com account. Whichever you prefer, here is a guide to setting up Alarm.com skills on your Google Home or Amazon Echo.

GoogleHome.jpg

Google Home

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sync Alarm.com with

Amazon Echo

  1. In the Alexa App, go to Skills, and search for Alarm.com.
  2. Click Enable Skill.
  3. Enter your Alarm.com log-in and password to sync your accounts.
  4. Use commands like Ask Alarm.com:
    • To Arm System Stay
    • To Lock the Front Door
    • To Turn the Lights Off
    • To Record a Video Clip
    • To set Thermostat to 68 Degrees
    • Is the Garage Door Open?

Sync Alarm.com with

Google Home

  1. Tell Google Home, Ok Google, talk to Alarm.com.” You will then need to link the account in your app in steps 2 & 3. Alternatively, you can search for Alarm.com in the Home app by going to Additional Settings, then Services. Then go to step 3.
  2. In the Home App, go to the Discover tab.
  3. On the Link to Alarm.com button, click Link.
  4. Log in to your Alarm.com account and click Allow under the Google Assistant message.
  5. You have the option of enabling system disarming, unlocking doors, and garage door opening. These features will require a pin.
  6. You will receive a confirmation message when the accounts are linked.
  7. Use commands like:
    • Disarm System (Give Pin)
    • Is my system armed?
    • What mode is my thermostat in?
    • Turn down the Lights to 50 percent
    • Close the Garage Door
    • Unlock the Front Door (Give Pin)
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Amazon Echo

Google Home was slower to come out with Alarm.com functionality, but has much greater flexibility with the way you speak commands. You can say commands in a myriad of ways and Google Home will understand. For the Amazon Echo, you need to make sure you say Ask Alarm.com before any command you give, and there are specific commands structures. For both, you’ll need to remember exactly what you named each device in the app.

Also, the Echo does not include the Google options of disarming your system, and opening garage doors or door locks. Although, while Google Home does require a pin code, you may want to ask yourself whether verbal control of these more sensitive components of your security is a wise idea.