This One Smart Home Feature Could Be Spying on You—Even When It’s Off

January 15, 2026

I’ve never been super comfortable with the idea of a “smart home.” Your phone already listens to everything you are saying, sure. But some of the other pieces of technology are just a little over the top in this aspect. You know that voice assistant sitting on your kitchen counter? Well, Alexa might be listening, whether you’re talking to her or not. Many homeowners have found out that smart speakers, like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest, don’t always power down completely.

Most of the time, they are hanging out in “standby mode.” So, if you are like many other Americans who value their privacy, here’s what you need to know about how these devices work, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Smart Speakers Are Always Listening (Yes, Even When “Off”)

Most smart speakers are designed to be “always on” by default. Even when you press the mute button or unplug the device, some models retain minimal power to maintain quick boot-up or firmware updates. This means microphones may still be active, listening for wake words or background noise. Manufacturers claim they only record after hearing a trigger phrase, but leaked data and lawsuits suggest otherwise.

In the U.S., privacy laws haven’t kept pace with smart home technology. While some states like California have enacted stricter data protection rules, many others lag behind. This patchwork of regulations means your rights vary depending on where you live. Worse, companies often bury consent in lengthy terms of service agreements. Until federal legislation catches up, the burden of privacy protection falls largely on consumers.

“Off” Doesn’t Mean Disconnected

Turning off a smart device doesn’t necessarily sever its connection to the internet. Many smart home features, including thermostats, TVs, and doorbells, enter a “sleep” mode rather than shutting down completely. In this state, they can still transmit data, receive updates, or ping servers. This is especially true for devices with voice control or motion detection. Unless you physically unplug them or disable Wi-Fi access, they may continue to monitor your environment.

Wake Word Detection Requires Constant Audio Monitoring

To respond instantly to commands, smart speakers must constantly monitor ambient sound. This means your device is always processing audio, even if it’s not actively recording. While companies insist this data is discarded unless a wake word is detected, privacy experts warn that false positives and data retention policies vary. In some cases, snippets of conversations have been stored and reviewed by third-party contractors. If that makes you uneasy, you’re not alone.

Your Data May Be Shared or Sold

Smart home devices collect more than just voice commands. They gather behavioral data, location patterns, and even emotional cues. This information can be used to build detailed consumer profiles, which are often sold to advertisers or data brokers. In 2025, a New York Times investigation revealed that smart TVs, fridges, and even light bulbs were transmitting user data to third parties. While some of this is disclosed in user agreements, the fine print is often buried or vague. Transparency remains a major concern for privacy advocates.

Other Devices That Might Be Spying on You

Smart speakers aren’t the only culprits. Smart TVs often track what you watch and listen for voice commands. Video doorbells can record audio from neighbors or passersby, raising legal concerns in some states. Even smart thermostats and light bulbs can log your routines and occupancy patterns. If it’s connected to the internet, assume it’s collecting data unless you’ve taken steps to stop it.

The Smart Speaker That’s Raising the Most Eyebrows

Among all smart home features, the Amazon Echo has drawn the most scrutiny. In multiple cases, Echo devices have recorded conversations without a wake word and even shared them with unintended recipients. Amazon has since updated its privacy policies, but concerns remain about how much control users really have.

Google and Apple have faced similar criticism, though Apple’s on-device processing offers slightly more privacy. Still, no major brand is immune to privacy risks.

How to Protect Your Privacy Without Ditching Smart Tech

You don’t have to throw out your smart speaker to stay safe, but you do need to take control.

Review your device’s privacy settings and disable features like voice recordings or third-party data sharing.
Use a physical mute switch or unplug the device when not in use.
Consider placing smart speakers in common areas rather than bedrooms or private spaces.
Regularly delete stored recordings from your device’s app dashboard.

What to Look for in a Privacy-First Smart Device

If you’re shopping for smart home tech in 2026, look for devices that offer local processing and minimal data sharing. Brands like Eufy and Apple have made strides in on-device AI, reducing the need to send data to the cloud. That said, here are three things to keep in mind when shopping around:

Check for third-party privacy certifications and transparent data policies.
Avoid devices that require constant internet access or lack a physical mute button.
Always read reviews, not just for performance, but for privacy practices.

Smart homes are supposed to make life easier… not turn your living room into a surveillance hub. As technology evolves, so must our awareness and defenses. Don’t assume that “off” means safe, and don’t wait for a privacy breach to take action. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy the perks of connected living without sacrificing your personal space. After all, convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of control.

Are you surprised by how much your smart speaker might know about you? What steps have you taken to protect your privacy? Share your thoughts in the comments.