There are two Nanit skills - why is that and which should I use?
“Nanit” - Ask about your baby’s sleep stats and turn on the nightlight
“Nanit Show” - see Nanit’s video stream + audio in your Echo Show / Spot
The difference between these two skills is that the Nanit Show skill is a smart home skill, which allows the Nanit Camera to redirect its Video stream to the Alexa Show or Spot. This kind of skill does not allow for interaction with the Nanit database in which all the sleep data is analyzed, and does not allow us to interact with the Nanit camera for things like nature sounds, 2-way audio or Breathing Motion monitoring.
The Nanit skill, however, is a regular Alexa skill that allows us to configure specific questions that Alexa can ask the Nanit database, but does not allow for Smart home integration.
Combined together, these two skills will allow you the maximum amount of interaction that can currently be done on an Alexa device.
For further interaction with the Nanit app, we recommend using the original Nanit app on a smartphone or a tablet.
I have two-factor authentication enabled on my Nanit account. Can I still use the Alexa skill?
Yes, once you enable the skill and go through the log in process, you’ll be prompted to enter the two-factor authentication code that will be sent to your phone, on the Alexa device.
How do I tell Alexa to show me the Nanit video stream?
Use the following commands: “Alexa, show me [baby name]” or “Alexa, show me [baby name]’s crib”
Note - If Alexa is having trouble understanding the camera’s name, we recommend changing the baby name in the Nanit app to a simpler one that she could understand, like "baby". After changing the name in the Nanit app, it can take a while to update in the Alexa app. If you are having issues, try using the Alexa app to "discover" smart home devices, this should update the list.
I have significant connectivity issues while viewing my video stream on the Alexa. What can I do to troubleshoot?
When Alexa disconnects, Nanit’s stream has no way of reconnecting without user interaction. Alexa might disconnect for many reasons, and while our mobile app always tries to recover the connection, Alexa does not.
Follow these steps to troubleshoot connection issues with Alexa:
- Make sure that the stream on the Nanit app works as it should. If your camera is not connected please follow the troubleshooting steps here.
- To improve overall connectivity, you should have your Alexa device on the same WiFi network as your Nanit camera. This would allow direct connection and better connectivity.
- If connection in the app works as it should, visit Amazon’s troubleshooting for Alexa connection issues
The video stream keeps buffering on the Alexa. How can I troubleshoot it?
Unfortunately, we have no control over the buffer Alexa uses. The Nanit mobile app always optimizes for low latency, however Alexa optimizes for smooth streaming and prefers buffering over latency.
To improve overall connectivity, we suggest that you have your Alexa devices on the same WiFi network as your Nanit camera. This should allow a direct connection and improved connectivity. If this issue persists advise users to follow Amazon’s troubleshooting for Alexa devices: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201973870.
There’s a significant latency to the video/audio stream when watching using Alexa, how can I solve it?
Using Alexa on a local connection will reduce latency in the video stream. We support local connections when possible. Local connections will reduce latency (most probably) and will be less susceptive to disconnections, however Local connections are not always possible and are dependent on your home's network topology.
Why can’t I see Temp and humidity, welcome message, Breathing Motion status on the Alexa?
The Nanit Skill was developed to help you have an extra view into your baby's crib, providing flexibility into how you interact with Nanit.
Unfortunately, Alexa doesn’t support adding functionalities on top of a video stream. And while we at Nanit are researching to find ways to allow that, we can’t guarantee that these additions will be available in the Nanit skill on Alexa devices.
To get the best dedicated monitoring solution we recommend using the Nanit app on a tablet, for example an iPad.
Can I leave Alexa streaming my baby’s crib for an extended amount of time?
Yes you can use Alexa as a second monitor. However, if Alexa is experiencing a disconnection during the night, it will stop showing the video stream and will require you to ask Alexa to bring the stream back up by saying “Alexa, show my [baby name]”. Making sure Alexa and Nanit are on the same Wi-Fi will have better chances to stay connected, although we cannot guarantee it.
If you are experiencing issues, we recommend that you use an alternate device, such as an iPhone, iPad or Android device for night monitoring.
Can I stream audio only on other Alexa devices that have no screen?
No, unfortunately this is not supported by Alexa. If you are using an Alexa device without a screen, you can only use the Nanit skill which allows asking questions about sleep insights or to ask Alexa to turn the nightlight on/off.
Can I use two-way audio with Alexa?
Unfortunately, no. Alexa Show only allows to watch the video stream.
Can I get alerts (sound, motion, breathing motion, etc.) on the Alexa device?
Unfortunately, no. Alexa Show only allows to watch the video stream.
I have Google Wifi, and I'm having issue. What should I do?
Google Wifi uses DNS Rebinding Protection, which blocks the use of private IP ranges by public domains. This feature is enabled by default on Google Wifi. To disable to the feature please follow the directions in the link below. If you need further assistance please contact our customer service team at 1-866-MYNANIT 11AM-9PM EST Mon-Fri 12PM-9PM EST or email us at help@nanit.com.
DNS rebinding protection -Google Wifi Help
Does Nanit work with Amazon Kindle?
The Nanit app is no longer available as a native Kindle Fire app. We are working with Amazon on a resolution, but unfortunately cannot provide a specific timeline on this.