How to Turn an Echo Button into a Home Lockdown Button
Echo Buttons are simple Bluetooth devices that connect to an Amazon Echo. Until now, they’ve been relegated to simple buzzer-like buttons for use in games. Recently Amazon added the ability to connect an Echo Button to a routine, opening up an entire world of possibilities. One simple straight-forward use is as a lockdown button for when the last person leaves the house.
To create a routine for an Echo Button, you’ll first need to pair that Button to an Echo—a quick and painless process. And if you’ve ever created a routine with your Alexa app before, you’ll be in familiar territory creating a lockdown routine for your Button. Essentially, this is a button that the last person who leaves home can give a quick press to turn off all your smart lights, lock your doors, turn down your thermostat, disable smart plugs, or whatever else you want.
Creating a Button Routine
You’ll need to fire up the Alexa app to create a routine. On the app’s main page, tap the hamburger button.
On the list of settings, tap the “Routines” option.
Tap the “+” button to add a new routine.
