What it means
Alexa's voice-purchase settings can require a spoken confirmation code or turn voice purchasing off. The spoken code is a second prompt in the conversation, not a private biometric or a secret entered on a locked screen. People nearby may hear it. Amazon also distinguishes Amazon-processed purchases from transactions completed directly with a third-party skill provider, which may not obey the same voice-purchase setting.
A real-world example
A shared Echo sits in a living room where guests and children can hear commands. The owner enables a speakable code but later says it aloud while several people are present. Turning Amazon voice purchasing off would be clearer if nobody needs the convenience.
What to do
In the Alexa app, review More, Settings, Account Settings, Voice Purchasing. Choose Off when possible or use a code with full awareness of its limitations. Check kid-skill and third-party skill purchase options separately, then test without completing a real order.
The distinction that matters
Muting an Echo microphone changes how the device hears commands, not every saved payment relationship in the Amazon account. A voice-purchase control may not cancel an existing subscription or a prior order. A third-party skill can have different billing terms. Review actual orders after an unexpected notification and use the official order-help route if a charge occurred.
Alexa device purchasing options
