Echo Show Indoor Temperature Display Explained

Yes, Echo Show devices can display the indoor temperature on their home screen. The temperature shown is measured by the device’s built-in sensor, not by an external thermometer, and it reflects the conditions right around the device itself.

How the Temperature Sensor Works

Every Echo Show (and most other Echo devices) includes a small temperature sensor inside the unit. This sensor continuously measures the ambient air temperature in the immediate vicinity of the device. The reading is then processed by the device’s software and made available to you in a few different ways:

• On the home screen: A small temperature icon with the current reading appears near the top of the display.
• In the Alexa app: You can view the temperature history and current reading for each compatible device under Device Settings.
• By voice: Saying “Alexa, what’s the temperature?” will cause the device to read out the indoor temperature it measures.

The sensor is not a weather station; it measures the air around the device, not the outdoor temperature or the temperature in other rooms. Because the device generates heat, the reading can be slightly higher than the actual room temperature, especially if the device is placed in a confined space or near other electronics.

Where to Find the Temperature Reading on Your Device

The exact location of the temperature display varies slightly depending on the Echo Show model and the software version. Generally, you’ll find it in the top-right corner of the home screen, next to the time and date. It appears as a small number with a degree symbol and a thermometer icon. If you don’t see it, it may be hidden in a drop-down menu from the top of the screen. Swipe down from the top edge to open the quick settings panel; the temperature is often listed there as well.

On some models, you can also ask Alexa to show you the temperature on the display. For example, saying “Alexa, show the temperature” will bring up a larger display with the current reading.

How to Check Temperature History in the Alexa App

To view historical temperature data, open the Alexa app on your smartphone. Navigate to Devices, then select the Echo Show you want to check. Under the device’s settings, look for a section called “Temperature” or “Environment.” There, you can see a graph of the temperature over the past few hours or days. This feature is useful for monitoring trends, such as how quickly a room warms up in the morning or cools down at night. The app also allows you to set up routines based on temperature, such as turning on a smart plug when the temperature drops below a certain threshold.

Factors That Affect the Accuracy of the Reading

Several factors can cause the temperature reading on your Echo Show to differ from the actual room temperature:

• Device heat: The electronics inside the device generate heat, which can raise the temperature reading by a few degrees, especially if the device is running heavy tasks or is in a warm spot.
• Placement: If the device is near a window, a heat vent, a kitchen stove, or in direct sunlight, the sensor will pick up that localized heat rather than the average room temperature.
• Airflow: Placing the device in a corner with poor airflow can cause heat to build up around it, leading to a higher reading.
• Calibration: The sensor is not factory-calibrated to a laboratory standard, so there can be a small variance between units.

To get a more accurate reading, place the device away from heat sources and in an open area where air can circulate freely. Keep in mind that the sensor is designed to give a general indication of the room’s temperature, not a precise measurement for scientific or medical purposes.

Using the Temperature Reading with Routines and Smart Home

One of the most useful features of the temperature sensor is its integration with Alexa Routines. You can create a routine that triggers when the temperature reaches a certain value. For example:

• If the temperature in the room rises above 27°C (80°F), turn on a smart fan.
• If the temperature drops below 18°C (65°F), turn on a smart heater.
• Send a notification to your phone if the temperature exceeds a set threshold while you’re away.

To set this up, open the Alexa app, go to Routines, and create a new routine. Choose “Temperature” as the trigger, select your Echo Show as the sensor, and set the condition (above or below a certain temperature). Then add the action, such as turning on a smart plug. This allows you to automate your home’s climate control based on real-time conditions.

Common Misconceptions About the Temperature Sensor

A common misconception is that the Echo Show displays the outdoor temperature or the temperature from a weather service. In reality, the number on the home screen is always the indoor temperature as measured by the device’s own sensor. If you want the outdoor temperature, you can ask Alexa “What’s the weather outside?” and it will fetch that information from a weather service. The two are separate features.

Another misconception is that the sensor is accurate enough to replace a dedicated thermostat or thermometer. While it’s generally within a few degrees, it’s not designed for precise measurement. If you need an exact reading for a sensitive application, you should use a calibrated thermometer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Echo Show show a higher temperature than my thermostat?

This is usually because the device’s internal heat raises the sensor reading. The Echo Show is not designed to measure the exact ambient temperature like a wall thermostat. It’s best to use the reading as a relative indicator rather than an absolute value.

Can I calibrate the temperature sensor on my Echo Show?

No, there is no user-accessible calibration feature for the temperature sensor. The sensor is set at the factory and cannot be adjusted by the user. If you believe the reading is significantly off, you can try moving the device to a different location, but you cannot manually correct the offset.

Does the Echo Show display the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit?

You can choose your preferred unit in the Alexa app. Go to Settings, then Device Settings, select your Echo Show, and look for the “Temperature Unit” option. You can switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit there.

Why doesn’t my Echo Show show the temperature on the home screen?

On some models, the temperature display may be turned off by default or hidden. Check the device settings in the Alexa app under “Home Screen” or “Display” to see if there’s an option to show the temperature. Also, make sure the device has the latest software update.

Can I use the Echo Show temperature sensor to control my smart thermostat?

Yes, you can use the temperature reading as a trigger in Alexa Routines to adjust a smart thermostat, but the thermostat itself has its own sensor. It’s more common to use the thermostat’s built-in sensor for control, but you can create a routine that adjusts the thermostat based on the Echo Show’s reading if you prefer.

Alternatives to the Built-in Sensor

If you need more accurate or multiple room temperature readings, consider using dedicated smart temperature sensors that are compatible with Alexa. These sensors are small, battery-powered devices that you can place in different rooms. They connect to your Wi-Fi or Zigbee network and report their readings to the Alexa app. You can then view all temperatures in one place and use them in routines just like the built-in sensor. Some popular options include sensors from brands like Aqara, Moes, and Sonoff, but any sensor that works with Alexa will do the job.

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