Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Home offer incredible convenience, but they also come with privacy considerations. If you frequently use your smart speaker while on phone calls or video conferences, it’s crucial to mute it.
Why Muting Matters:
- Unintentional Recordings: Smart speakers are always listening for their wake words (like “Alexa” or “Hey Google”). During a call, your speaker might inadvertently record sensitive information shared on the call.
- Background Noise: Even if your speaker isn’t actively listening, background noise from your calls can be picked up and potentially used for unintended purposes.
How to Mute Your Smart Speaker:
- Physical Mute Button: Most smart speakers have a physical mute button. Simply press the button to mute the microphone.
- Voice Command: You can usually mute your speaker using a voice command, such as “Hey Google, mute yourself.”
Additional Privacy Tips:
- Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review your smart speaker’s privacy settings and adjust them to your preferences.
- Delete Recordings: You can usually review and delete past voice recordings.
- Be Mindful of What You Say: Remember that your smart speaker is always listening, even when not actively engaged.
By taking these simple steps, you can minimize privacy risks and ensure a more secure experience with your smart home devices.
