Amazon is taking a big step back in privacy thanks to the rollout of Alexa+. The company is removing the ability for some Echo smart speakers to process Alexa requests locally and not have those recordings sent to the cloud.
Local Processing Was Only Available on Three Echo Models
The ability to process requests locally was previously available on three smart speaker models—Echo Show 15, Echo Show 10, and fourth-generation Echo Dot.
As first noted by Ars Technica, Amazon recently emailed customers outlining the change:
Starting on March 28th, your voice recordings will be sent to and processed in the cloud, and they will be deleted after Alexa processes your requests. Any previously saved voice recordings will also be deleted. If your voice recordings setting is updated to ‘Don’t save recordings,’ voice ID will not work and you will not be able to create a voice ID for individual users to access more personalized features.
In the same email, Amazon noted that every request will be deleted after it’s processed, and that voice requests are encrypted when sent to Amazon’s cloud.
If you own one of those devices and choose not to save recordings on Amazon’s cloud, you’ll lose the Voice ID functionality. That allows the Echo to share your specific, customized information like reminders and music.
The New Alexa+ Is to Blame for the Change
Amazon noted that the change is because of the new Alexa+ powered by generative AI.
The feature set was first unveiled in February 2025 and will soon be available for the Echo Show 8, 10, 15, and 21 as part of an early-access period. Just make sure to sign up on the Alexa+ site.
Amazon highlighted that Alexa will be much easier to talk to and will better understand complex commands. All the features will cost $19.99 per month. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you will be able to tap the new Alexa for free.
Even though the great privacy option was only available on a few Echo devices, it’s disappointing to see Amazon make the choice to remove the feature, especially for users not interested in the improved Alexa.
