I am an Alexa user, new to HA, and I am starting to build some automations but I do not see any of the Alexa entities when I am trying to build an automation. In this case I want to trigger an automation to run whenever there is a state change to the default Alexa shopping list, but when I search for any entity that contains “alexa” in the name, nothing shows us. Additionally I do not see my individual alexa enabled devices listed either. I have used the “Voice Assistant” section in settings to enable both my Alexa and Google devices, I have enabled the HA skill within Alexa, and the entities I have exposed to Alexa from my home are also visible. Is there something I am missing.
The Alexa integration only exposes selected HA entities to Alexa. Like you just found out, it doesn’t work the other way round.
Regarding the shopping list solution, have a search around these forums. I’ve seen a couple which mention that Amazon will be deprecating the list API, so even that won’t work out for you unfortunately.
Luckily I’ve seen a couple of projects which worked around the issue. Again, have a search and see what fits your needs and your skills.
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As Shadow says. It’s one way. This is an Amazon decision. Not much HA can do about it.
There is a custom integration in HACS called Alexa Media Player that gives LIMITED connectivity back to Alexa connected devices and access to some of the attributes and services of Echo devices.
Note the integration exists but it’s having issues with support ownership a d a lot of us are waiting to see why happens with the new AI powered Alexa coming in a month or so… That said,
Its a good idea to check your expectations on what is available FROM Amazon and if your plans involves controlling Amazon from outside of Amazons walled garden you probably need to reconsider your approach.
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Thanks @ShadowFist and @NathanCu for the responses. Not the answer I was hoping for but I understand the limitation now. Does the same hold true for Google Home devices? Is it also one way?
Pretty much yes. Walled garden.
That said, there’s varying workarounds custom solutions etc but pretty much expect this. (think about where the money is for them to allow such access and it becomes pretty clear why…). Just read and study expected use cases and then determine how hard you really want to fight a moving target.
Personally I’m on my last steps of eliminating Amazon entirely (3 years ago was 100% Alexa) as soon as I can get around to building reliable voice assistants.
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