What the Tech: How to keep gifts a secret with Alexa devices

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and keeping secrets.

But if you’re an avid Amazon shopper with an Alexa-enabled device in your home, you might be inadvertently revealing your holiday surprises.

Here’s how to keep those gifts under wraps.

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The Alexa Dilemma

While Alexa can be a helpful assistant, playing festive music and managing your smart home, she can also be a bit of a blabbermouth.

Anyone can ask Alexa, “What’s in my shopping cart?” or “What’s on my order list?” and potentially ruin the surprise.

Amazon has made some changes to protect your privacy, such as hiding the contents of packages in delivery notifications.

However, a determined snoop can still find ways to uncover your secrets.

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Steps to Take to Keep Your Gifts a Surprise

Adjust Alexa App Settings: Open the Alexa app, go to “Settings,” then “Notifications,” and finally “Amazon Shopping.” Here, you can disable notifications about your orders.
Hide Orders: Go to your Amazon on a web browser. Find the order you want to hide, and select “Archive Order.” This removes it from your default order history.
Clear Browsing History: Your browsing history can reveal your gift ideas. In your Amazon , go to “Browsing History” and click the gear icon to delete it. Consider turning off browsing history during the holiday season.

Changes to hide orders and clear browsing history can only be done on the Amazon website. To make changes to what Alexa can and cannot announce, you’ll need to use the Alexa app.

Additional Tips

Use a Guest : If you have frequent visitors, consider setting up a guest on your Alexa device. This limits their access to your personal information and shopping details.
Be Careful What You Say: Avoid discussing your holiday shopping plans in front of your Alexa device. , she’s always listening.