Using a smart speaker to make purchases can be a good or bad idea depending on how you look at it, but if you take into account certain aspects, the truth is that it can provide some advantages that you are also interested in learning about. So, let’s see how to configure a speaker with Alexa to buy on the internet and what you need to know to protect yourself against unauthorized purchases.
How to buy with Alexa and your Amazon Echo
Setting up your Amazon Echo to be able to make purchases using Alexa is very simple. In addition, not only with Amazon speakers can you do it, with any device that integrates the company’s voice assistant as well.
That means that with other speakers like Sonos and even with compatible headphones connected to your smartphone and the installed Alexa app, you can. Although we are going to focus on the company’s speakers for a simple question: they are the most popular among Alexa users.
To buy using Alexa voice commands, the first thing you must do is sign up for Amazon Prime. This already enables you to use the voice assistant to buy just by asking. Something as simple as saying “Alexa, buy toilet paper.”
When you do it, Alexa will describe the products belonging to the first results and will ask you whether or not you want to buy it. If you say yes, the order will be placed and if not, it will go to the next option. Of course you can also make the purchase of the items that you have in the basket and that you have been able to add through the application or via the web.
What you must take into account is that once the purchase is confirmed you will not be able to cancel. At least, not using the speaker. You would have to go to the application or website to do it before the order is shipped. Anyway, take it easy. Just saying to your speaker “Alexa, buy 20 bottles of Coca Cola” will not make the order like that. Previously you have to go to the Alexa settings and configure the voice purchase, in addition to having a valid payment method and address in 1-Click.
So let’s go by parts, to configure the voice purchase do the following:
- Open the Alexa app
- Enter the configuration menu
- Now select Account Settings
- Buy by voice
- There you enable or disable depending on what you want
Now everything is ready if the 1-Click data is correct. And using Alexa can be interesting to add things you need through voice commands. For example, while you are cooking. And when you already have it, confirm the purchase just by giving the order.
How to protect your purchases with Alexa
Buying using Alexa is great, although we are not going to deny that it generates some insecurity at first. Could anyone make a purchase without my consent just by asking Alexa? The answer is yes, but to solve this problem there is the voice code for purchases . Or in other words, a four-number PIN with which you will ensure that you are the only one who makes the purchase.
To configure this code by voice you have to repeat the previous steps until you reach the configuration of Buy by voice. These are the steps:
- Open the Alexa app
- Enter settings
- Then to Account Settings
- Buy by voice
- And there activate voice code
Once you have established the PIN, you can leave the function active for when you want to use it, because nobody can do it without knowing it. But be careful, do not shout it when you use it, to see if in the end it finds out who should not because you yourself have proclaimed it.
As last considerations, do not use a PIN that you are already using in another service or in your own credit or debit cards from your bank. And remember that if instead of the Alexa app for your mobile device you want to use the access via web browser for activation and configuration, just go to the internet address alexa.amazon.com.
