Amazon Discontinues Local Processing for Echo Devices

Starting March 28, Amazon is eliminating local processing capabilities on select Echo devices, mandating cloud-based processing for all Alexa voice requests.

Previously, users of specific Echo models had the option to keep voice recordings local, avoiding cloud transmission — but this feature is now being retired.

Which Echo Devices Are Affected?

The change impacts several popular Echo models, including:

• Echo Dot (4th Gen)
• Echo Show 10
• Echo Show 15

Amazon confirmed the update following a Reddit user’s public service announcement (PSA) that included a screenshot of an email notification from the company.

According to the email, users who had previously enabled the ‘Do Not Send Voice Recordings’ setting will see this automatically switched to ‘Don’t save recordings’ instead.

How the New Cloud-Based Processing Works

Under the new system, all voice commands will be transmitted to Amazon’s secure cloud servers for processing.

Once Alexa processes the request, the recording will be immediately deleted, and any previously saved recordings will also be wiped.

This marks a significant shift from the earlier setup, where local processing allowed faster responses and greater privacy by avoiding cloud interaction altogether.

Now, even for basic commands like setting timers or controlling smart home devices, Alexa will rely on cloud servers.

Why Is Amazon Making This Change?

Amazon cited the expansion of Alexa+, a new AI-enhanced version of the voice assistant, as the primary reason behind this decision.

Unveiled in February, Alexa+ leverages advanced generative AI technology, which requires greater computational power.

By offloading processing to Amazon’s cloud infrastructure, Alexa+ can deliver more intelligent, dynamic, and context-aware responses.

What Happens to User Privacy and Voice Data?

Privacy remains a major concern for many Echo users. Amazon states that while voice recordings are now sent to the cloud, they won’t be stored permanently.

Recordings will be automatically deleted after the command is processed. Additionally, previously saved voice recordings will also be erased.

For users who value privacy, this change may feel like a step backward. Local processing offered a greater sense of security by keeping voice data on the device.

However, Amazon reassures customers that their cloud servers are designed with robust security measures to protect personal data.

How to Adjust Alexa Privacy Settings

If you’re concerned about these changes, you can still manage your Alexa privacy settings through the Alexa app. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings > Alexa Privacy.
3. Manage your Alexa data and select “Voice recordings”
4. Then tap on “Choose how long to save recordings”
5. Select ‘Don’t save recordings’ to ensure commands are processed but not stored.

While this doesn’t bring back local processing, it does prevent Amazon from retaining voice recordings beyond the immediate command execution.

Final Thoughts

Amazon’s decision to discontinue local voice processing on Echo devices reflects a shift toward more AI-driven, cloud-dependent smart assistants.

While this opens the door to more powerful Alexa+ features, it also raises privacy concerns and removes a valuable option for those who prefer local-only processing.

For Echo Dot (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15 owners, adapting to this new cloud-based Alexa experience will soon be unavoidable.

As technology evolves, balancing innovation with user privacy remains more critical than ever.

If the article was helpful, then share it with your friends and family and, subscribe to my newsletter and push notifications for FREE to stay updated with the latest tech news and gadgets. Thank you for reading this further.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions