In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up and pair the ThirdReality Door Sensor using an Amazon Echo device and the Alexa app. Whether you’re new to smart home technology or supporting someone who is, this step-by-step guide is here to help. Plus, we’ve included a YouTube video tutorial for extra visual support.

Click here to access full video instructions on the Ability Tools YouTube channel: “Setting Up ThirdReality Door Sensor“

Setting up the Door Sensor:

Before setting up your door sensor, make sure your Echo device has Zigbee hub capability, which is required for pairing. The device is officially called a door sensor, but it can be used on doors, windows, cabinets, or containers anywhere you want to detect when something opens or closes. The setup process is virtually the same for all of these uses.

1. Gently remove the back plate from the door sensor.
2. Insert AAA batteries into the battery compartment.
3. Check the front of the device for a blinking blue LED, which indicates it’s in pairing mode.
4. If the LED is not blinking, press and hold the small button near the battery compartment until a red light flashes, then release the button to activate pairing mode.

Pairing the Device:

To pair the motion sensor with your Echo device, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your Echo device is powered on and placed near the door sensor.
2. Say “Alexa, discover my devices.”
3. Alexa will begin searching and should recognize the door sensor.
4. Once detected, Alexa will assign it a default name, such as “First contact sensor.”
5. Test that the sensor is working.
   1. Place the two sensor pieces together with the indents on their faceplates aligned and parallel.
   2. In the Alexa app, tap on “Devices” (lightbulb icon in the bottom left).
   3. Tap the name Alexa gave to your new sensor.
   4. The screen should display the status as “Closed.”
   5. Gently pull the sensor pieces apart. The status should change from “Closed” to “Open.”

Installation:

Choose a flat, even surface and make sure it is clean and dry before installing the sensor for best results.

1. Apply the adhesive to the location where you want to install the sensor.
2. Align the two parts of the sensor so that the indents on each piece are facing each other and parallel.
3. Carefully press the sensor pieces onto the adhesive in the aligned position.
4. Hold each piece firmly in place for about 30 seconds to ensure it is secure.

Name the Sensor:

Once your sensor is paired, you can rename it using the Alexa app:

1. In the Alexa app, tap on “Devices” (lightbulb icon in the bottom left).
2. Tap the name Alexa gave to your new sensor.
3. Tap the “Settings” icon (gear in the top right corner).
4. Tap “Edit Name” and change it to match the location (e.g., “Front door”).

Creating a Routine:

Example Use: Receive door open alert
– Place the sensor on a door, window, or cabinet.
– Create a routine in the Alexa app for when the door is opened, Alexa will send a notification to a smart device.

1. In the Alexa app, tap on “Devices” (lightbulb icon in the bottom left).
2. Tap the name you gave your new sensor.
3. Tap “Create Routine” at the bottom of the page.
4. Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new routine.
5. Under “When“, tap the “+” to the right of “Add an Event“.
6. Tap “Smart Home“.
7. Tap the name of the door sensor.
8. Tap “Open“.
9. Hit “Next” in the top right corner.
10. Under “Alexa Will“, tap the “+” to the right of “Add an Action“.
11. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select “Notification.”
12. Tap “Send Push Notification“.
13. If prompted, tap “Continue” and then “Allow” to enable push notifications from the Alexa app.
14. Tap “Enter Notification Message.”
15. Type the message you want to receive when the sensor is triggered. For example: “The front door has opened!”
16. Tap “Next” to review your notification settings.
17. Tap “Next” again to proceed.
18. Select “Save“.

Your routine is now set. Whenever the door sensor is opened, Alexa will send a notification to your smart device to alert you.

You can also explore our full Smart AT Home Blog Series for more helpful tips. Be sure to check out the complete Ability Tools YouTube Smart AT Home Playlist for additional how-to videos and resources.