node-red-contrib-amazon-echo/README.md

Alexa-controlled Node-RED nodes for the latest Amazon Echo devices.

# node-red-contrib-amazon-echo

## ❗️Important (2026): Alexa local discovery is unreliable / may not work

As of **2026**, users continue to report **unstable or broken Alexa connectivity** with `node-red-contrib-amazon-echo`, including:
- Devices not being discovered reliably (or at all)
- Previously discovered devices disappearing or showing **“Device not responding”**
- Voice commands sometimes executing with a delay while Alexa reports an error

This module relies on **local Philips Hue Bridge (v1) emulation** for Alexa discovery and control. Since **August 2025**, changes on Amazon’s side appear to have affected this approach.

For detailed analysis, community findings, and historical context, see:
- GitHub issue: **“Device not responding – August 2025”** [#210](https://github.com/datech/node-red-contrib-amazon-echo/issues/210)

### Alternatives
If you require a **stable and future-proof Alexa - Node-RED integration**, consider:
- Community-maintained alternatives listed at **https://www.voicenodes.com**
- **[DuloNode](https://www.dulonode.com/)** - an Alexa Smart Home Skill-based solution **created by the author of `node-red-contrib-amazon-echo`**

## Node-RED Contrib Amazon Echo module 

Alexa controlled Node-Red nodes supporting the latest Amazon Echo devices

**NO Alexa Skills required.**

**NO cloud dependencies.**

## Installation

Install from your Node-RED Manage Palette

or

Install using npm

```sh
$ npm install node-red-contrib-amazon-echo
```

## How to use

- Add **Amazon Echo Hub** node to your flow.
- Add multiple **Amazon Echo Device** nodes linked to the **Amazon Echo Hub node**.
- **Note:** Use unique names for device nodes. Alexa will use the node name to manage your smart device.
- Ask **"Alexa, discover devices"** or start the discovery procedure from the Alexa mobile app.

![Usage screenshot](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/datech/node-red-contrib-amazon-echo/master/docs/images/how-to-use.png "Alexa controlled Node-Red nodes")

## Features

- Turning on/off
- Dimming
- Setting the light color

## Supported devices

- All Echo devices

## Example Alexa commands

- "Alexa, turn on/off {device}"
- "Alexa, switch on/off {device}"
- "Alexa, set {device} to 50%"
- "Alexa, turn my {device} light green"
- "Alexa, set the {device} light to orange"
- "Alexa, make the {device} warmer"
- "Alexa, brighten {device} to 60 percent"
- "Alexa, dim the {device} lights"

## Requirements

The Amazon Echo Hub node starts a service listening on port 80, which requires the Node-RED process to be started with root privileges or requires firewall rules to redirect the traffic.

## Troubleshooting

Detailed troubleshooting instructions can be found on the [Wiki](https://github.com/datech/node-red-contrib-amazon-echo/wiki).

## Bugs and feature requests

Please create an issue on [GitHub](https://github.com/datech/node-red-contrib-amazon-echo/issues).