Create a Smart-Home Security Alert with Alexa Routines

Open the Alexa App

First, find and tap the Alexa app icon on your smartphone or tablet's home screen. The icon usually looks like a blue speech bubble with a white ring inside, or the Alexa logo. Once it opens, you'll see your main Alexa home screen, which shows various cards with suggestions, recent activities, or smart home device statuses. After tapping, the app will load, bringing you to this central screen. If it looks different, you might need to update your app or log in with your Amazon account. You'll know it worked when: The Alexa app's main "Home" screen is visible, showing your connected devices and activities.

Start a New Routine

Now, let's head to the 'Routines' section to create your alert. Look for the "More" button, usually located in the bottom right corner of the Alexa app screen. Tap on it, and a menu will slide up from the bottom with options like 'Skills & Games', 'Reminders', and 'Routines'. Tap "Routines". On the next screen, you'll see any existing routines you have. To start fresh, tap the "+" icon (plus symbol), usually in the top right corner. You'll know it worked when: A new screen appears titled "New Routine" or "Create a Routine", ready for you to add details.

Name Your Routine

It's a good idea to give your routine a clear name so you know what it does at a glance. Tap the field that says "Enter routine name" or "Routine Name". A keyboard will appear, allowing you to type a descriptive title. For this alert, choose something like "Door Open Alert" or "Front Door Security". Tapping the name field will open the keyboard, then type.

You'll know it worked when: The name you typed is displayed at the top of the routine creation screen.

Set the Trigger (Door Sensor)

This is where you tell Alexa when to perform the action. We call this a trigger – it's like the starting gun for your routine. Tap "When this happens" or "Add event". From the list of options, choose "Smart Home". You'll then see a list of your connected smart home devices. Find and tap your door or window sensor from this list. A new screen will appear asking for the "State" – select "Open". This means the routine will start when the sensor detects the door opening. You'll know it worked when: Your door sensor is listed under "When this happens" with the state "Open".

Choose the Action (Announce Alert)

Next, we define what Alexa should do when the trigger occurs – this is called the action. Tap "Add action" or the "+" button next to "Add action". A list of available actions will appear. Scroll down and select "Alexa says". On the next screen, choose "Customised". Here, you can type the exact message you want Alexa to announce, like "The front door has been opened." If you prefer a notification on your phone, choose "Send notification" instead of "Alexa says."

You'll know it worked when: Your custom message or "Send notification" is listed under "Add action".

Select Device for Alert & Save

Now, tell Alexa where to announce the alert. If you selected "Alexa says" in the previous step, tap "From" at the bottom of the screen. You can choose a specific Echo device (e.g., "Living Room Echo") or "The device you speak to" (if you want it to announce on the closest Alexa speaker). If you chose "Send notification," you won't see this option as it sends to your phone. Once you've chosen, tap "Save" or the tick mark, usually in the top right corner. Alexa will process your new routine. You'll know it worked when: You return to the main "Routines" screen, and your new "Front Door Open Alert" is visible in the list.

Test Your Routine

The final step is to make sure your new routine works perfectly. Find the door or window where your smart sensor is installed. Open the door slightly, as you would normally. You should hear your chosen Alexa device announce your custom message, or receive a push notification on your phone if you selected that option. If it doesn't work right away, give it a few seconds, as sometimes there's a small delay. You'll know it worked when: Your Alexa device announces your message, or your phone receives a notification, immediately after you open the door.