Vision Tech

Home / Amazon Alexa, Echo & Fire TV

Amazon Alexa, Echo & Fire TVMedium2 min read

Alexa Guard, Brief Mode and Follow-up Mode: what they do

These are three extra features you may meet in Alexa settings. This guide explains what they are in plain words. Availability and the exact menu names depend on your device, region and the app version, so check what you see in your own app.

Brief Mode

Brief Mode makes Alexa answer with a short chime or light instead of speaking a full confirmation. For example, when you say "Alexa, turn on the lamp", it may just chime. It is useful if the spoken confirmations annoy you. The setting is in the Alexa app's settings for Alexa responses, but the exact menu path varies, so look through the More and Settings menus.

Follow-up Mode

Follow-up Mode lets you ask a second question without saying "Alexa" again. After the first answer, the ring may briefly stay lit, ready to listen. A teal bar means that Alexa is ready for you to speak without the wake word. If Alexa keeps listening when you do not want it to, you can switch Follow-up Mode off in the device settings.

Alexa Guard

Alexa Guard is an optional feature designed to keep an ear on the home while you are out. It may listen for sounds such as smoke alarms or glass breaking, and can notify you. It may need a compatible Echo, and some of its features may need a paid plan or specific devices. The exact features vary by device and change over time, so look at what the Alexa app offers for your Echo.

It should not replace a proper smoke alarm.

Turning things on or off

In the Alexa app, look through Devices, your Echo, and its settings, as well as More and Settings. Menu names in the Alexa app change from time to time, so if yours looks slightly different, look for the closest wording rather than worrying.

If you do not want a feature, you can switch it off at any time. Think about privacy before turning on listening features.

When to get more help

If you want Alexa to help with home safety, speak to Vision Tech about the right kit. Please do not rely on a smart speaker as your only alarm.

Did this help? If you are still stuck, email Vision Tech and tell us what you can see on the screen. Menus and button names can differ slightly between versions and makes. If something does not match, stop and ask rather than guess.

Related guides

Amazon Alexa, Echo & Fire TVMediumAlexa calls, messages and Drop In: how they work and how to keep them privateEcho devices can make calls and send messages to other Alexa users, and a feature called Drop In lets approved people start talking to your Echo without you answering.Amazon Alexa, Echo & Fire TVMediumHow to control your TV with Alexa, and what to do when it stops workingWith the right setup you can say, "Alexa, turn on the TV" or "Alexa, pause".Amazon Alexa, Echo & Fire TVEasyAlexa says "I'm having trouble connecting"This message means the Echo cannot reach Amazon over the internet at that moment.