Questions Not to Ask Alexa
Important guidelines for what not to ask Alexa to protect your privacy, avoid inappropriate responses, and ensure safe and appropriate interactions with your smart assistant.
1What is my password?
Click to see why this works
What is my password?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask Alexa for passwords or sensitive information. This could compromise your security and privacy, and Alexa doesn't store or have access to your passwords.
2What is my social security number?
Click to see why this works
What is my social security number?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for personal identification numbers or sensitive personal information. This could lead to identity theft and privacy violations.
3What is my bank account number?
Click to see why this works
What is my bank account number?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for financial information or account details. This could compromise your financial security and lead to fraud or identity theft.
4What is my credit card number?
Click to see why this works
What is my credit card number?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for payment information or credit card details. This could lead to unauthorized charges and financial fraud.
5What is my home address?
Click to see why this works
What is my home address?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for personal location information. This could compromise your safety and privacy, especially if others can hear the response.
6What is my phone number?
Click to see why this works
What is my phone number?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for contact information that could be used to identify or contact you. This could compromise your privacy and safety.
7What is my email address?
Click to see why this works
What is my email address?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for email addresses or other contact information. This could compromise your privacy and lead to unwanted communications.
8What is my date of birth?
Click to see why this works
What is my date of birth?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for personal information like birth dates. This could be used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities.
9What is my mother's maiden name?
Click to see why this works
What is my mother's maiden name?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for security question answers or personal family information. This could compromise your account security and privacy.
10What is my driver's license number?
Click to see why this works
What is my driver's license number?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for government identification numbers. This could lead to identity theft and other fraudulent activities.
11What is my medical information?
Click to see why this works
What is my medical information?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for health information or medical details. This could compromise your privacy and lead to discrimination or other issues.
12What is my employment information?
Click to see why this works
What is my employment information?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for work-related information or employment details. This could compromise your privacy and lead to professional issues.
13What is my income?
Click to see why this works
What is my income?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for financial information like income or salary. This could compromise your privacy and lead to financial fraud.
14What is my relationship status?
Click to see why this works
What is my relationship status?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for personal relationship information. This could compromise your privacy and lead to unwanted attention or harassment.
15What is my political affiliation?
Click to see why this works
What is my political affiliation?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for political information or affiliations. This could compromise your privacy and lead to discrimination or harassment.
16What is my religious beliefs?
Click to see why this works
What is my religious beliefs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for religious information or beliefs. This could compromise your privacy and lead to discrimination or harassment.
17What is my sexual orientation?
Click to see why this works
What is my sexual orientation?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for personal information about sexuality or orientation. This could compromise your privacy and lead to discrimination or harassment.
18What is my family information?
Click to see why this works
What is my family information?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for family details or information. This could compromise your privacy and the safety of your family members.
19What is my travel plans?
Click to see why this works
What is my travel plans?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for travel information or plans. This could compromise your safety and privacy, especially if others can hear the response.
20What is my personal schedule?
Click to see why this works
What is my personal schedule?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Never ask for personal schedule information or daily routines. This could compromise your safety and privacy, especially if others can hear the response.
Protecting Your Privacy with Alexa
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Never Share Sensitive Information
Never ask Alexa for passwords, social security numbers, bank account information, or other sensitive personal data. This information should never be shared with any voice assistant.
Be Mindful of Others
Remember that others can hear your interactions with Alexa. Avoid asking questions that could compromise your privacy or safety if overheard by others.
Use Secure Methods for Sensitive Information
For sensitive information, use secure methods like encrypted apps, secure websites, or in-person conversations rather than voice assistants.
Example Scenarios
Financial Information
Never ask: 'What is my bank account number?' Instead, use secure banking apps or websites to access financial information safely.
Personal Identification
Never ask: 'What is my social security number?' Instead, keep such information in secure, encrypted storage and never share it with voice assistants.
Location Information
Never ask: 'What is my home address?' Instead, use secure methods to access location information and never share it with voice assistants.
Common Pitfalls
Sharing Passwords
Never ask Alexa for passwords or login information. This could compromise your account security and lead to unauthorized access to your accounts.
Revealing Personal Information
Don't ask for personal information that could be used to identify you or compromise your privacy. This includes addresses, phone numbers, and other identifying details.
Ignoring Privacy Settings
Make sure to review and adjust your Alexa privacy settings regularly. Don't assume that your interactions are private by default.