How to review and delete Alexa voice recordings, and Alexa privacy basics
Alexa keeps a history of what you say to it, so you can see and delete it. Please read the warning in the next section first.
A warning before you delete
Voice recordings help Alexa understand you better, so deleting them may make Alexa a little less accurate. Deleting voice history cannot be undone, so only delete what you are sure about. Also note that some records, such as shopping, may be kept separately for a different reason.
Review and delete in the app
The steps are:
- Open the Alexa app.
- Tap More.
- Tap Alexa Privacy.
- Choose Review Voice History.
- Use the filters to narrow by date, device or person.
- Select the conversations you want to remove and delete them.
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.
Deleting by voice
You can switch on a feature so Alexa deletes recordings when you ask, with commands such as "Delete what I just said", "Delete everything I said today" or "Delete my entire voice history". To turn it on, go to More, Alexa Privacy, Manage Your Alexa Data, then Voice and Typed Requests. This command is not available for Alexa+ accounts or for devices with Amazon Kids switched on. The same area may also offer automatic deletion after a set time.
Other privacy basics
- Use the microphone off button when you want privacy.
- Set a voice purchase code if you do not want orders by voice.
- Choose carefully who can Drop In.
- Use a strong, unique password and two-step verification on your Amazon account. Do not turn security features off.
- Review Alexa Privacy now and then.
When to get more help
If you are unsure what to delete or keep, ask before removing anything. Vision Tech can go through the privacy settings with you.