How to Change Alexa Announcement for Aqara Doorbell Easily

Easily customize your Aqara Doorbell’s Alexa announcement by opening the Alexa app, navigating to Devices > Doorbells, and selecting your Aqara Doorbell to edit the announcement message. Choose from preset responses or create a custom voice alert that plays when the doorbell is pressed—simple, quick, and perfect for personalizing your smart home experience.

Key Takeaways

• Open Alexa App: Navigate to Devices > Doorbell to begin customization.
• Select Aqara Doorbell: Tap on your device to access announcement settings.
• Disable Default Chime: Turn off Alexa’s default sound for clearer alerts.
• Upload Custom Audio: Use MP3 files under 5 seconds for best results.
• Test Announcements: Trigger the doorbell to verify your new sound works.
• Sync with Routines: Pair announcements with lights or other smart devices.

Understanding Alexa Announcements and Aqara Doorbell Integration

The rise of smart home devices has transformed how we interact with our living spaces, and few integrations are as seamless—or as practical—as pairing an Aqara Doorbell with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. One of the most useful features of this integration is the Alexa announcement, which allows your Echo devices to verbally notify you when someone rings your doorbell. Whether you’re in the kitchen, the basement, or even in another room with an Echo Dot, you’ll hear a customizable message like “Someone’s at the front door” or “Delivery at the door.” This not only enhances convenience but also improves home security by ensuring you never miss a visitor, even when your phone is out of reach.

However, the default announcement may not always suit your preferences. Perhaps you want a more personalized message, a quieter tone for nighttime, or a multilingual announcement for family members. Or maybe you’ve noticed that your Alexa devices aren’t announcing the doorbell at all. The good news is that changing the Alexa announcement for your Aqara Doorbell is not only possible—it’s surprisingly easy. With a few taps in the Alexa app and some basic understanding of smart home settings, you can customize the announcement to match your lifestyle, language, volume, and even the time of day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, from setup and troubleshooting to advanced customization tips, ensuring your smart doorbell works exactly how you want it to.

Prerequisites: Setting Up Your Aqara Doorbell with Alexa

Ensure Your Devices Are Compatible and Updated

Before you can change or customize Alexa announcements, your Aqara Doorbell must be properly connected to your smart home ecosystem. The Aqara Doorbell (models such as the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 or G3) supports integration with Alexa via the Aqara Home app and the Amazon Alexa app. First, verify that your doorbell is compatible with Alexa. Most Aqara doorbells released after 2020 support Alexa announcements, but older models may require firmware updates or additional hubs.

• Check your Aqara Doorbell model number (usually on the back or in the Aqara app).
• Ensure your Aqara Home app is updated to the latest version (v3.0 or higher).
• Update your Aqara Doorbell’s firmware through the Aqara app under Device Settings > Firmware Update.
• Make sure your Echo devices are also updated via the Alexa app (Device Settings > Software Version).

Link Aqara to Alexa: Step-by-Step

To enable announcements, you must link your Aqara account to Alexa. Here’s how:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Tap Devices in the bottom navigation bar.
3. Tap the + icon, then select Add Device.
4. Choose Doorbell from the device types.
5. Scroll down and select Aqara from the list of brands.
6. Tap Link Account and log in to your Aqara account (use the same credentials as in the Aqara Home app).
7. Authorize the connection by allowing Alexa to access your Aqara devices.
8. Once linked, Alexa will discover your Aqara Doorbell. Confirm the discovery and assign it to a location (e.g., “Front Door”).

Pro Tip: If your doorbell doesn’t appear, try restarting your Aqara hub (if using one), your router, and your Echo devices. Then, go to Alexa app > Settings > Aqara > Manage Devices and manually trigger a discovery.

Enable Doorbell Notifications in Alexa

After linking, you need to enable notifications:

1. In the Alexa app, go to Devices > Doorbells.
2. Select your Aqara Doorbell.
3. Tap Notifications.
4. Toggle on Doorbell Pressed and Motion Detected (if supported).
5. Choose which Echo devices should receive the announcement (e.g., all devices, only bedroom, only kitchen).

At this point, you should hear a default announcement like “Someone’s at the front door” when the doorbell is pressed. If not, proceed to troubleshooting (covered later).

How to Change the Alexa Announcement Message

Using the Alexa App to Customize the Announcement

Changing the announcement message is one of the most requested features among Aqara users. While Aqara doesn’t allow direct message editing within its app, Alexa provides a flexible workaround through Routines. Here’s how to create a custom announcement:

1. Open the Alexa app and tap More > Routines.
2. Tap the + icon to create a new routine.
3. Under When this happens, tap Device.
4. Select your Aqara Doorbell from the list.
5. Choose Doorbell Pressed as the trigger.
6. Tap Add action > Alexa says.
7. Tap Enter text and type your custom message. For example:
   • “The doorbell is ringing—check the camera!”
   • “¡Alguien está en la puerta!” (Spanish)
   • “Delivery at the front door.”
   • “Hey, someone’s here. Don’t forget the dog!”
8. Tap Next, then choose which Echo devices should say the message (e.g., all, specific rooms).
9. Tap Save to finalize the routine.

Important: To prevent duplicate announcements, you must disable the default Alexa doorbell notification. Go to Devices > Doorbells > [Your Doorbell] > Notifications and toggle off Doorbell Pressed. This ensures only your custom routine runs.

Advanced Customization: Time-Based Announcements

Want different messages at different times? Use time-based conditions in your routine:

1. After creating the routine, tap Add condition > Time of Day.
2. Set a range (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM).
3. Under actions, set a quieter or more discreet message like “Night bell: someone’s at the door.”
4. Create a second routine for daytime with a louder, more detailed message.

For example:

• Daytime (7 AM–10 PM): “Visitor at the front door. Check the camera.”
• Nighttime (10 PM–7 AM): “Doorbell pressed. Lights on in hallway.”

Pro Tip: You can even trigger other actions in the same routine, such as turning on porch lights or sending a notification to your phone.

Using Multiple Languages or Voices

Alexa supports multiple languages and voices. To use a different voice:

1. In the routine, tap Alexa says.
2. Tap Voice and select a different voice (e.g., “Joanna” for a warm tone, “Matthew” for a deep voice, or “Lucia” for Spanish).
3. Type your message in the corresponding language.

Example: Use “Lucia” voice with the message “¡Tocan a la puerta!” for a Spanish-speaking household.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Alexa Announcements

Announcement Not Playing at All

If your Echo devices remain silent when the doorbell rings, check the following:

• Device volume: Ensure the Echo device isn’t muted or set to 0 volume. Say, “Alexa, set volume to 5.”
• Do Not Disturb mode: Check if DND is enabled. Disable it in the Alexa app under Device Settings > Do Not Disturb.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: A weak signal can delay or prevent announcements. Move the Echo closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender.
• Aqara hub status: If using an Aqara hub (e.g., M2), ensure it’s online. Restart it if needed.
• Alexa app permissions: Ensure notifications are allowed for the Alexa app (iOS/Android settings > Notifications > Alexa).

Announcement Delayed or Inconsistent

Delays of 5–10 seconds are normal due to network latency. But longer delays (30+ seconds) indicate deeper issues:

• Restart all devices: Power cycle your Aqara Doorbell, Echo devices, and router.
• Check Aqara app status: Open the Aqara app and see if the doorbell shows “Online.” If not, re-pair it.
• Reduce network congestion: Limit the number of devices on your 2.4 GHz band. Aqara devices require 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
• Update routines: Delete and recreate your custom routine if it’s not triggering reliably.

Announcement Playing on Wrong Devices

If your bedroom Echo announces the doorbell when you only want the kitchen to hear it:

1. Go to your routine in the Alexa app.
2. Tap Devices under the “Alexa says” action.
3. Uncheck devices you don’t want to announce (e.g., bedroom, bathroom).
4. Check only the desired devices (e.g., kitchen, living room).
5. Save and test.

Note: You can create multiple routines for different scenarios (e.g., one for delivery, one for family members) and assign them to specific devices.

Advanced Tips: Enhancing Your Aqara Doorbell Announcements

Integrate with Other Smart Devices

Go beyond voice announcements by combining your Aqara Doorbell with other smart home devices. Use routines to create immersive experiences:

• Lighting: Turn on porch lights when the doorbell rings (via Philips Hue, LIFX, or Aqara lights).
• Camera preview: Use an Echo Show to display the Aqara Doorbell camera feed automatically.
• Smart locks: If someone rings at night, unlock the door remotely after verifying via camera.
• Music pause: Pause music on your Echo when the doorbell rings, so you don’t miss the announcement.

Example Routine:

1. Trigger: Aqara Doorbell pressed.
2. Action 1: Alexa says “Visitor at the door.”
3. Action 2: Turn on front porch light (via Aqara switch).
4. Action 3: Show live camera feed on Echo Show 8.
5. Action 4: Send a mobile notification with a snapshot.

Use Announcements for Security and Privacy

Custom announcements can also enhance security:

• Mask your location: Use a generic message like “The doorbell is ringing” instead of “Front door” to avoid revealing your home layout.
• Nighttime mode: At night, use a soft chime sound instead of a loud voice to avoid waking children.
• Pet alerts: If you have a dog, set a routine that says “Doorbell! Dog, stay!” to prevent barking.
• Delivery instructions: For Amazon deliveries, use a routine that says “Leave the package by the garage” and turns on a motion-activated light.

Schedule Announcements for Specific Events

Use scheduled routines to change announcements based on events:

• During a party: “Party guest at the door!”
• During a vacation: “Home is unoccupied. Do not ring.”
• During holidays: “Jingle bells! Someone’s at the door.”

You can also use IFTTT or Alexa’s “When I Arrive/Leave” feature to trigger different announcements based on your location.

Comparison: Default vs. Custom Announcements – What’s the Difference?

Performance and User Experience Comparison

Below is a data table comparing default Alexa announcements with custom routines for Aqara Doorbell users. This helps illustrate the benefits of customization.

Feature	Default Alexa Announcement	Custom Routine Announcement
Message Content	Fixed: “Someone’s at the [door name].”	Fully customizable (text, language, tone)
Voice Options	Standard Alexa voice only	Multiple voices (Joanna, Matthew, etc.)
Language Support	English only (in most regions)	Supports 10+ languages (Spanish, French, German, etc.)
Device Targeting	All devices or manual selection	Precise control per room or device
Time-Based Rules	No	Yes (e.g., quiet mode at night)
Additional Actions	None	Can trigger lights, cameras, locks, etc.
Setup Complexity	Simple (automatic)	Moderate (requires routine creation)
Reliability	High (native integration)	High (if configured properly)

Takeaway: While default announcements are convenient and reliable, custom routines offer unmatched flexibility. They allow you to tailor the experience to your household’s needs, language, schedule, and even mood.

Conclusion: Make Your Aqara Doorbell Work Smarter

Changing the Alexa announcement for your Aqara Doorbell is more than just a fun customization—it’s a way to make your smart home truly yours. Whether you want a bilingual message for multilingual guests, a quiet chime at night, or a full smart home response with lights and cameras, the tools are right at your fingertips in the Alexa app. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ve learned how to link your devices, create personalized routines, troubleshoot common issues, and even integrate with other smart gadgets for a seamless, intelligent experience.

Remember, the key to success lies in testing and refining. After setting up a custom announcement, press your doorbell and listen across different rooms. Adjust the volume, message, or device targeting as needed. Don’t hesitate to experiment with time-based rules, voice changes, or multi-device actions. The more you personalize, the more intuitive and helpful your smart doorbell becomes.

With your Aqara Doorbell and Alexa working in harmony, you’re not just getting notifications—you’re gaining peace of mind, convenience, and a touch of futuristic flair. So go ahead: ring that doorbell, hear your custom message, and enjoy the smarter, more connected home you’ve built. Your doorbell isn’t just a bell anymore—it’s a personal assistant, a security guard, and a welcome mat, all in one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize the Alexa announcement for my Aqara Doorbell?

To change the Alexa announcement for your Aqara Doorbell, open the Alexa app, go to “Devices,” select your doorbell, and tap “Doorbell Press Announcement.” From there, choose a custom voice or message. This lets you personalize how Alexa responds when the doorbell is pressed.

Why isn’t my Aqara Doorbell Alexa announcement working?

If your Alexa announcement isn’t playing, check that the doorbell is properly linked to Alexa and that the announcement feature is enabled in the app. Also, ensure your Echo devices are online and not muted.

Can I change the Alexa announcement for Aqara Doorbell to a specific phrase?

Yes! In the Alexa app, under your Aqara Doorbell settings, select “Custom” for the announcement and type your desired phrase. Alexa will then play your personalized message when the doorbell is pressed.

Does the Aqara Doorbell support different Alexa announcement tones?

Absolutely. The Alexa app offers multiple default tones (like chimes or bells) for your Aqara Doorbell. Navigate to the doorbell’s settings and select “Announcement Type” to preview and pick your preferred sound.

How do I disable Alexa announcements for my Aqara Doorbell?

To turn off announcements, open the Alexa app, select your Aqara Doorbell, and toggle off “Doorbell Press Announcement.” This will stop Alexa from speaking or playing sounds when the doorbell is pressed.

Can I set different Alexa announcements for multiple Aqara Doorbells?

Yes, if you have multiple Aqara Doorbells, each can have its own unique Alexa announcement. Assign different messages or tones to each doorbell in the Alexa app under their respective device settings.