Alexa Drop In Not Working? Quick Answer

A feature of Alexa’s free calling and messaging service, Drop In works like an intercom, allowing users to instantly connect and communicate via Alexa-enabled devices. On devices with screens and cameras, Drop In includes video.

Users can also log into Alexa devices via the Alexa app, but not the other way around: Alexa devices cannot log into the app. However, you can call mobile phones and landline numbers.

Unlike Alexa-to-Alexa calls, drop-ins don’t require an “answer”; As such, the feature requires special permissions and should be used carefully to avoid privacy concerns.

Enable Drop In between your home appliances.

To call between Alexa devices in the same household, first ensure you’ve signed up for Alexa Calling and Messaging by selecting the conversations icon in the Alexa app on your mobile device (the speech bubble at the bottom of the home screen). If prompted to register, do so; If not, you are already registered.

After signing up for Alexa Calling and Messaging, grant yourself drop-in permission:

Select the conversations icon at the bottom of your home screen. Tap the Contacts icon in the top right. Your contact profile is listed first. select it Toggle Allow Drop In.

Extend Drop In beyond the household.

To receive drop-ins on devices outside of your home and receive drop-ins from devices outside of your home, apply the appropriate permission for each device’s contact:

Select the conversation icon on your Alexa app’s home screen. Tap the Contacts icon in the top right. Select the contact. Toggle Allow Drop In.

Of course, the contact must give you the same permission.

View approved drop-in contacts.

To see which contacts you’ve approved for Drop In:

Select the messaging icon on the home screen. Tap the Contacts icon in the top right. Choose for yourself. See your approved contacts under People who can stop by.

Of course, you can also view and change each contact’s drop-in permissions by selecting them individually.

Control device-specific drop-in settings.

For individual Echo devices, you can:

Opt for full drop-in functionality; Limit drop-in functionality to your household; or disable the drop-in feature entirely.

How to make your selection:

From the main menu, select Settings. Choose your device type. Under General, select Drop-In. Choose your desired setting.

You can also temporarily disable drop-in on a one-time basis or on a schedule under Do Not Disturb in the device settings.

Initiate and complete a Drop In.

Drop In via an Alexa device.

To use Drop In on an Alexa device from someone else in their household, use the command “Alexa, Drop In on [device name]”.

To sign in on an external Alexa device, say “Alexa, Drop In to [contact name]”.

Drop in via the Alexa app.

Drop-In on an Alexa device registered to your account through the Alexa app:

Select the Conversations icon. Tap the drop-in bar at the top of the screen. Select your desired device.

Drop-in on an external Alexa device from the Alexa app:

You’re visiting the house of a friend or family member who owns an Amazon Echo. And you want to hear your favorite music or news feeds on your Echo. Or maybe someone is visiting you and wants to do the same with one of your Echo devices. All of this is possible thanks to a feature called Guest Connect.

Once connected, you can ask Alexa to play your favorite music and news. The voice assistant recognizes the person speaking and provides the appropriate content. When access is no longer needed, you can instruct Alexa to disconnect the account. Otherwise, Alexa will automatically disable access within 24 hours or when the guest leaves the location. If the guest returns to the same location, the connection is restored.

Guest Connect requirements

To use Guest Connect on someone else’s Echo, you need your own Alexa account and an Alexa Voice ID profile. Both Bluetooth and notifications must be enabled on the Echo device. The Guest Connect feature must also be enabled.

Guest Connect works with any standard Echo device including the regular Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Studio and Echo Show. However, it’s not compatible with on-the-go Echo devices like the Echo Auto or Echo Buds. It also doesn’t work with Alexa accessories like smart plugs, nor is it compatible with a Fire TV or Fire tablet.

Keep in mind that if you subscribe to the Amazon Music Unlimited Single Device Plan(Opens in a new window), you won’t be able to hear your music on someone else’s Echo.

Set up the Alexa Voice ID

You should already have the Alexa app on your mobile device if you have your own Echo. Otherwise, you can install the app from the App Store(Opens in a new window) or Google Play(Opens in a new window) and then set up your device. You then need to create an Alexa Voice ID in the app. To do this, tap More > Settings > Your profile and family, then select your name and select Set up voice ID.

Tap the Agree and Continue button and go through the setup process. You must speak each of the four phrases that Alexa displays on the screen. When you’re done, tap Done.

Enable notifications

You should then enable notifications for the Guest Connect feature. This will let you know when you’re near a compatible Echo device that has the feature enabled. In the Alexa app, tap More > Settings > Notifications > Guest Connect and turn it on so it says Enabled.

Enable guest connection

Now it’s time to enable Guest Connect. Open More > Settings > Your profile & family in the Alexa app. Tap your name, then select Guest Connect. Tap Next and then Next and the process is complete. Anyone who wants to connect to your Echo device must follow the same steps to set up voice recognition and enable Guest Connect.

In order for others to be able to connect to your own Echo, you must enable Guest Connect on the device. Do this via More > Settings > Account Settings > Guest Connect in the app. On the Guest Connect screen, check Allow Guests to connect. Anyone who wants to allow others to connect to their own Echo would need to do the same on their side.

Enable Guest Connect

The next time you’re within Bluetooth range of someone’s Echo with Guest Connect enabled, you should get a notification through the Alexa app. If so, tap the notification and click Join to connect. Instruct any guests who want to use your Echo to do the same.

You can also search for a connection manually. In the Alexa app, go to More > Settings > Your profile & family and select your name. Tap Guest Connect, then select your host’s Echo name in the Available Connections section.

Tap the Join button to access the Echo. You should then see a checkmark next to the host’s name, indicating that you’ve connected to the device.

Listen to music or news

Once connected, you can now request your favorite music. Say “Alexa, play music,” and Alexa will play songs based on what you’ve heard in the past. You can also tell Alexa to play specific music. Say “Alexa, play jazz” or “Alexa, play classical music”.

You can also direct Alexa to a specific music service by saying “Alexa, play some music from Pandora” or “Alexa, play some Jazz from Apple Music.”

You can also ask Alexa to read the latest news. Say “Alexa, play a message”. Alexa reads a message based on your interests and the news channels you’ve accessed in the past.

Disconnect from Guest Connect

If you wish to disconnect from your host’s Echo, you can do so in a number of ways. Say “Alexa, unlink my account.” Alternatively, in the Alexa app, go to More > Settings > Your profile & family. Select your name, then tap Guest Connection. Select the name of the verified connection, then tap Disconnect. In this step, you can also select the Turn off notifications here entry to stop receiving notifications for this specific Echo.

Forget a connection

Anyone who uses Guest Connect to access an Echo will be automatically reconnected the next time they’re in the same location. But you can tell Alexa to forget the connection so it doesn’t try to connect you every time.

In the Alexa app, return to the Guest Connect screen under Settings. Tap on the name of the connection you remembered and select the option for Forgot connection.

Block guests

As a host, you can block specific people from reconnecting to your Echo device, but you must do so while they’re still connected. In the Alexa app, go to More > Settings > Account Settings > Guest Connect. Tap the person’s name, and then select Block.

Disable Guest Connect

If you’re a host and want to turn off the feature so no one can use your Echo device, return to More > Settings > Account Settings > Guest Connection in the Alexa app. Tap the Allow guests to connect switch and guests will no longer be able to connect.

If you are a guest and want to disable the feature, go to More > Settings > Your profile & family, then select your name and select Guest Connect. On this screen, tap the Enabled switch to disable Guest Connect.

This story is part of Home Tips, CNET’s collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

Alexa is my favorite buddy. It has top-notch entertainment features that are fun for the whole family; It can help you with your weekly groceries and even has a great sense of humor. But aside from being fun, Alexa is also practical. So much so that Alexa can suddenly make picking up your phone or owning a landline obsolete.

That’s right — if you have an Amazon Echo Show 10, Echo Dot, Echo Flex, the latest Echo Show 15, or one of the many other neat Alexa devices on the market today, you can ditch your landline and use Alexa to make calls and send messages .

Not only can you use Alexa to make Amazon Echo-to-Echo calls, but you can use your Echo device to call someone’s cell phone or landline and make video calls with your Echo Show. Sound complicated? It’s actually easy. All you have to do is say “Alexa, call Mom” ​​or “Alexa, call (insert name)” and you’re ready to start your voice or video call. We explain what you need to know and how to set up Alexa for calls.

Also Read: Keep Amazon, Google and Apple Out of Your Conversations: A Guide to Protecting Your Privacy

Set up echo-to-echo calls with these 5 easy steps

1. Get an Amazon Echo device: Echo Show, Echo Dot, Echo Flex, or others

It probably goes without saying, but if you want to do echo-to-echo communication, you’ll need an Echo device. At least somehow. You can also technically use the Alexa app, but that seems a stretch considering how many other ways there are already to use your phone as a phone.

Here are the devices that offer echo-to-echo calls:

Amazon

2. Download the Alexa app and make sure it’s up to date

This is a big problem since the Alexa app will basically act as your call center. You have to make sure that you have updated to the latest version, which has a new design and most importantly, support for the voice chat feature.

To do this, simply go to the App Store on iOS devices or the Google Play Store on Android devices and make sure you have downloaded and installed the latest version of the app.

3. Set up the Alexa app to prepare echo-to-echo calls

Once your app is up to date, it will automatically guide you through the messaging setup process the first time you launch it. All you have to do is follow a few quick instructions, including verifying your name and phone number and enabling access to your contact list.

4. Make sure your contacts are correct in the Alexa app

The Echo messaging feature uses your contacts to match a phone number with the name you want to use to contact Alexa. It then uses that number to identify the Alexa user you’re trying to reach – which is why you need to give Amazon your phone number during setup.

That’s all well and good, but it won’t work if your contacts aren’t up to date. For example, if you want to send a message to your mom’s Echo Dot, you’ll need a record for “mommy” in your phone’s contacts with the same phone number she has linked to her Alexa account. And hey, while we’re on the subject…

Chris Monroe/CNET

5. Make sure the person you are calling is on board

This obviously only works if you both follow these first four steps, so you might need to call Mom and walk her through the process (or at least send her this article).

Now for the sticking points – or at least the things to consider:

When someone calls you, all of your Echo devices will ring. This includes any phone or tablet that has the Alexa app installed, as you can also use it to take calls or listen to messages.

. This includes any phone or tablet that has the Alexa app installed, as you can also use it to take calls or listen to messages. Your Echo will turn green when you have a new message. To hear it, just tell Alexa to play your messages.

. To hear it, just tell Alexa to play your messages. Amazon transcribes your messages in the Alexa app. The Alexa app’s new messaging section is a bit like a voicemail inbox, listing your recent messages and conversations. For the news, it even includes transcribed voice overs of what’s been said – handy when you can’t hear the news. Just be warned that the transcription accuracy is only so-so – you may have to decipher a confused sentence or two.

Also read: Alexa blinks amber or green? Here’s what those lights mean on your Amazon Echo

Here’s how to use your Amazon Echo to call someone’s cell phone or landline

Echo-to-phone voice calls work on all Echo devices and most mobile and landline numbers in the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico. As with echo-to-echo calling, connecting an Echo device and a phone is possible using simple voice commands.

Just say “Alexa, call (contact’s name)” to call someone in your phone’s contacts list. You can also specify which number to call when there are multiple numbers—for example, a work number and a mobile number—under a contact. Just say, “Alexa, call (contact’s name) mobile” or “Alexa, call (contact’s name) work.”

If you want to call a number that isn’t saved in your contacts list, say “Alexa, call (phone number).”

Echo to phone calls, while convenient and easy, aren’t limitless. Emergency numbers (e.g. 911), toll numbers or toll numbers (e.g. 1-900 numbers) and most international numbers except the US, UK, Canada and Mexico cannot be called from Echo devices.

How to make video calls with Echo Show

Whether you have the original Echo Show 5, the Echo Show 8, the 3rd Gen Show 10, or the latest – and greatest – Echo Show 15, you can use the smart display to make video calls with your friends and family.

However, before you can make a call, you first need to make sure that the person you want to video chat with either has the Alexa app set up on their phone or also has an Echo Show. There are two easy ways to start a video call.

Use voice commands: Say “Alexa, video call (contact’s name)”.

: Say “Alexa, video call (contact’s name).” Using the display: First, swipe left from the right side of the display to open the Echo Show features menu. In the upper-left corner of the menu, click Communicate > View Contacts to open your contact list. Scroll to the contact you want to reach and select the contact name. Next, on the Alexa Devices menu, click Call to start a video call.

This is a nifty feature that still works even if your contacts only have a smartphone. Besides, the option for a group video call is also available. Just make sure each participant first enables Alexa’s group calling features, then you can create a contact group from your Alexa app and say “Alexa, video call (whatever you named the contact group)” to start chatting .

Will echo-to-echo or echo-to-phone calling prevail and eventually replace our landlines? Who knows – but if you’re dying to make calls with your Alexa devices, now you know how.

Make the most of your Alexa

(Pocket-lint) – Did you know you can use Alexa to call and message others?

Amazon’s Alexa calling and messaging feature lets you make and receive calls and send messages between Echo devices, the Amazon Alexa app for iOS and Android, and Fire tablets. It’s a nice way to contact family and friends. The best part? The feature is completely free to use as it works on most Echo devices and also Alexa apps over Wi-Fi.

Here’s everything you need to know about it and how it works.

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The free feature was first introduced on the original Amazon Echo Show, but Amazon has extended this functionality to other Echo and Alexa devices, leading it to develop what we now call “Alexa calls” or “Alexa calls and messages.” ” to name. It works with compatible Echo devices, the Alexa app, and Fire tablets.

In addition to making a call, you can use the feature to leave a voice message or send a text-based message. The best part about the feature is that it’s free to use since it works over Wi-Fi (or mobile data on your phone), so you don’t have to invest in a calling plan.

You need an Amazon account and the Alexa app on a device running Android 6.0 (or higher), iOS 11.0 (or higher), or on an Android Fire tablet. Everything needs to be set up with the Alexa app, where you’ll find the Communicate tab.

Once you’ve set it up via the Alexa app, you’ll be able to use the service on all of your Echo and Alexa devices, as long as it’s enabled on each individual device – which it is by default.

You can sync the Alexa app with your contacts on your smartphone, allowing Alexa to call phone numbers, so you can call a cell phone from your Echo, for example. Alternatively, you can use Alexa to call other Echo devices your contacts have. If you don’t sync your contacts, you can only use them to contact other Echo or Alexa devices you’re signed in to – such as B. an intercom system.

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You can make the following types of calls:

Alexa-to-Alexa calls: Make and receive calls between compatible Echo devices (or the Amazon Alexa app, more on that below). You can reach anyone in your phone’s contacts list who has a compatible Echo device and who has also signed up for Alexa Calling.

Make and receive calls between compatible Echo devices (or the Amazon Alexa app, more on that below). You can reach anyone in your phone’s contacts list who has a compatible Echo device and who has also signed up for Alexa Calling. Mobile or landline calls: You can call most mobile or landline numbers in the UK, US, Canada and Mexico from a compatible Echo device, use Alexa to reach supported numbers saved in your phone’s contacts list, or say the number you want to call.

You can call most mobile or landline numbers in the UK, US, Canada and Mexico from a compatible Echo device, use Alexa to reach supported numbers stored in your phone’s contacts list, or say the number you’re calling you want to call. Alexa App Calling: You can use the Amazon Alexa app on your Android or iOS smartphone (not available on a tablet) to call mobile or landline numbers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This gives you the ability to make and receive calls between people in your phone’s contacts list who have the Alexa app or a compatible Echo device and who have also signed up for Alexa Calling and Messaging.

With the Amazon Alexa app on your Android or iOS smartphone (not available on a tablet), you can call mobile or landline numbers in the US, Canada and Mexico. This gives you the ability to make and receive calls between people in your phone’s contacts list who have the Alexa app or a compatible Echo device and who have also signed up for Alexa Calling and Messaging. International calls: You can make and receive international calls between compatible Echo devices and the Amazon Alexa app. Just make sure the contact you want to reach is in a location that also supports Alexa calling, has signed up for Alexa calling and messaging, and is in your contact list in the Amazon Alexa app.

You can make and receive international calls between compatible Echo devices and the Amazon Alexa app. Just make sure the contact you want to reach is in a location that also supports Alexa calling, has signed up for Alexa calling and messaging, and is in your contact list in the Amazon Alexa app. Group calls: You can set up groups of up to seven people to call in the Alexa app, so you can then call those groups directly.

Note: Alexa does not support calls to emergency (“911”) numbers, premium rate (“1-900”) numbers, three-digit numbers or short codes, international numbers (outside US, UK, Canada). , and Mexico) and dial-by-letter numbers (“1-800-FLOWERS”).

To call with Alexa for the first time, you need to sign up for it:

Open the Amazon Alexa app (on your compatible iOS or Android phone). Open the Communicate tab in the bottom menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter and confirm your phone information.

Alexa uses your phone’s address book to find people you know who have the Amazon Alexa app enabled with Alexa Calling so you can call them that way too.

To add or edit contacts for Alexa Calling, update your phone’s local address book, then open the Amazon Alexa app. Contacts from your address book who also use Alexa calling will automatically appear in your “Contacts” list in the app with the same names from your address book.

You can automatically sync your phone’s address book, or you can add contacts manually, block contacts, add groups – or you can restrict access to your favorite contacts if you’ve marked contacts as favorites in your address book.

To start a call from a compatible Echo device, simply ask Alexa to call the person or group you want to call by name. You must say their name exactly as it appears in your Alexa app. When you call someone, the Alexa app and Echo device will ring, but you can choose to make calls to a mobile number, for example. Alexa will confirm who you want to call before you put that call through.

You can also dial numbers directly by saying each digit (including the area code) of the number you want to call. Remember that Alexa uses voice profiles to determine who is making a call. If you have a voice profile and Alexa can recognize your voice, your contact list will be used automatically.

You can also call a contact using the Alexa app. Just select the Communicate icon on the home screen, then tap the contact icon in the top corner and tap a contact. You can then make your call.

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Any of your incoming calls or messages will also be forwarded to your Alexa app and Echo devices. Your Echo devices will sound an alarm and announce who’s calling, while your Alexa app will deliver a notification. Just say “answer” or answer from your phone to answer the call. Alternatively, you can say “Ignore” or ignore it from your phone. On devices with screens, you also have on-screen accept or decline buttons. When you want to end a call, you can say “Hang up” or tap the end button on your phone.

While a call is in progress, the lights on your Echo device will glow green.

Here are some Alexa commands you can say:

Call another Echo device: “Alexa, call [Corey]” or “Alexa, call my [family]”

“Alexa, call [Corey]” or “Alexa, call my [family]” Call a mobile or landline number stored in your contacts: “Alexa, call [John’s] cell” or “Alexa, call [ Chris] to his home phone” or “Alexa, call [Brandon] at work” or “Alexa, call [Mother’s] office”.

“Alexa, call [John’s] cell phone” or “Alexa, call [Chris]’s home phone” or “Alexa, call [Brandon] at work” or “Alexa, call [Mother’s] office.” Choose a mobile or landline number: “Alexa, call [number].”

“Alexa, call [number].” Control call volume: “Alexa, turn the volume up/down.”

“Alexa, turn up / down the volume.” Hang up / end call: “Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, end call.”

“Alexa, hang up” or “Alexa, end call.” Answer the call: Just say “Answer”.

Just say “Reply”. Ignore call: Just say “Ignore”.

The lights on your Echo will remain green when a call is connected, but if you’re already on a call and another call comes in, the new call will automatically be sent to another supported device in your household.

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To call your contacts and supported mobile and landline numbers:

Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone. From the bottom navigation bar, select Communicate. Select the Call button at the top. Select the contact you want to reach, then select their number or the Alexa audio call or video call. If you’re both using a single-screen device (like the Echo Show or Echo Spot), you’ll see the option to start a video call. To end the call, select the End button on the screen.

Voice messages are something like voicemails. To send a voice message using the Alexa app, select the Communicate icon. You can select an existing conversation or tap the Message icon at the top of the Communicate screen. Then tap the blue microphone button at the bottom of the screen to send a new voice message. It will be sent to your friend’s Alexa app and Echo device.

To send a voice message with an Echo device, say “Alexa, send [contact name] a message.” To access your voice messages, go to the Alexa app’s Communicate screen or say to your Echo, “Alexa, play my messages.”

To send a text message using the Alexa app, it’s basically the same procedure as above. Select the Communicate icon, then select an existing conversation or tap the Messages icon at the top. On the next screen, type your message instead of speaking it. Your text will be sent to your friend’s Alexa app or Echo device, and they’ll get a notification too.

If you want to prevent Alexa from notifying you of calls and messages, turn on Do Not Disturb. Say, “Alexa, do not disturb me.” You can also schedule Do Not Disturb in the Alexa app (Settings > All devices > select a device > Do Not Disturb > Scheduled).

Drop In is a feature that can be used with Echo Show or Echo Spot. Amazon says you’ll probably prefer using video calling in most cases, but Drop In is also available so you can easily check in with an elderly relative or check a camera in the kids’ room. No need to call anyone, just access the camera on another Echo Show device.

You can choose which Echo devices Drop In is available on, and you can choose which contacts can have permission to Drop In. If you want, you can, for example, specify that this should not be allowed to anyone or should be limited to your household. To learn how to set up and use Drop In, go here.

With Alexa Announcements, you can ask Alexa to make announcements on all compatible Echo devices in your home. Think of it as a one-way intercom. People near an Echo in your household hear a short beep to indicate that an announcement is coming, and then the announcement is played in the voice of the person making the announcement. cool right?

To create an Alexa announcement, just say “Alexa, announce” and then speak your announcement out loud. You can also say “Alexa, send” and then pin your voice message back at the end. For example, you can say, “Alexa, send ‘The movie is starting.'” Everyone in your home within earshot of an Echo device will hear a beep, followed by you saying, “The movie is starting.”

For some phrases, Alexa adds sound effects when it recognizes certain trigger words, like “Alexa, announce dinner is ready.”

In the Alexa app on your phone, you can also go to Communicate in the bottom navigation bar and then select the Announcements button at the top to start a broadcast. You have the option to type or speak your announcement out loud and it will play instantly across your devices.

nope Amazon has quietly reduced its Echo Connect accessories. You can use it with a supported Echo device to make and receive calls through your home phone service. Amazon didn’t charge you for making or receiving a call with Echo Connect, although you still had to buy a landline or VoIP package for your landline from your local telecom provider. If you own this old accessory, Amazon has an FAQ page that details how it works.

Written by Maggie Tillman. Edited by Chris Hall.

Alexa isn’t the only one you can talk to on your Echo device. You can also make and receive voice calls with other people. The Alexa app supports Alexa-to-Alexa calls on an iPhone running iOS 9.0 or later and an Android phone running Android 5.0 or later. If you own an Echo Show, you can also make and receive video calls.

Echo devices also use an intercom-like system called Drop In to call other Echo devices directly, either in your home or another household. It works with most cell phones and landlines in the US and certain other countries. How to register Alexa as your own telephone operator.

Echo devices recommended by PCMag

Alexa to Alexa calls

First, open the Alexa app on your phone and tap the Communicate icon at the bottom. If you haven’t already signed up for Alexa-to-Alexa calling, you’ll be prompted to verify your name, allow access to your contacts, and verify your phone number. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter and confirm your mobile phone information.

You can then call someone in your contact list. Just ask Alexa to make the call from your Echo device. Say “Alexa, call [contact name]” and Alexa will make the call.

To make a call using the Alexa app on your phone, make sure you’re on the Communicate screen. Tap the call icon and then select the contact you want to call. If that person is set up to answer calls from an Echo device or the Alexa app, you’ll see options to make an audio or video call with them.

The call is then sent to the called person’s Echo device. It is also forwarded to the Alexa app on their phone. They can answer your call through their Echo or the Alexa app.

If you’re using an Echo Show or the Alexa app to make a video call, you can toggle the video on and off at any time. Calls from the Alexa app can be ended by tapping the end button. When calling from your Echo, say “Alexa, hang up.”

When you get a voice or video call, the light ring on your Echo device glows green, the Alexa app notifies you of the call, and Alexa tells you who’s calling. You can see the caller’s contact name on an Echo Show or in the Alexa app. You can then answer the call by saying “Alexa, answer” or reject the call by saying “Alexa, ignore.” The call can also be accepted or rejected from your phone.

Drop in on an Echo device

You can call another person’s Echo directly using the Drop In feature, which turns an Echo device into an intercom. It works with Echo devices inside and outside your home. The difference between Alexa-to-Alexa calling and drop-in is that the person on the other end doesn’t have to accept the drop-in; it happens automatically.

You must have already signed up for Alexa-to-Alexa calling to use this feature. Both parties should also have the feature enabled so that you and the other person can visit each other.

To set up Drop In, open the Alexa app and select Communicate. Tap the Try Drop-In hint when you see it; Otherwise, tap the Drop In icon at the top. When you access Drop In for the first time, you will be prompted to enable it on your own profile. Tap the My Profile link and turn on the switch next to Allow drop-in.

To check on an Echo device in your household, say, “Alexa, check on [device name].” Alexa will ask for confirmation. You are then connected to the device and can chat with the person on the other end. To end the call, say “Alexa, hang up.”

You can also use the Alexa app. On the Communicate screen, tap Drop In, then select the device name to start the call. (If you want to drop in on an Echo Show, you’ll first need to give Alexa access to your camera.) To stop dropping in, tap the Stop button.

You can also visit all of the Echo devices in your home at once, which can be useful if you need to contact everyone in your household at once. Say “Alexa, come by on all devices.”

When you do this for the first time, Alexa will ask you if you want to turn on advanced features. Say yes. You can also enable it through the Alexa app. Tap the More icon in the bottom right and select Settings. Under Alexa Settings, go to Communication > Advanced Features and toggle the Enabled switch on.

You can drop by on a device outside of your household, as long as the contact on the other end has given you permission from their Alexa app. To drop by this way, say, “Alexa, drop by [contact’s name].” You’re connected to that contact via one of their Echo devices and can start chatting. To disconnect, say “Alexa, hang up.”

You can also check in on someone using the Alexa app. To do this, tap the Contacts icon in the upper-right corner of the Communicate screen. Select the person you want to contact. If that person has given the required permission for the drop-in feature, a drop-in icon will appear on their profile screen. Tap Drop In and, if necessary, select the device you want to use. You are then connected and can start talking. Tap the End button to end the drop-in.

If you want to receive a drop-in from a specific contact, you must give that person permission. To do this, go to the Communicate screen and tap the Contacts icon in the top right. Select the name of the contact you want to give drop-in permission to.

Under Permissions, turn on the Allow drop-in toggle. When you receive a Drop In from this contact, you will hear a tone and you can start speaking. Say “Alexa, hang up” to end the drop-in.

If you don’t want people to stop by your place, open your device settings, select Do Not Disturb, and turn it off so no one can contact you through this feature.

Alternatively, you can go to the Devices screen in the Alexa app, select Echo & Alexa, and then tap the name of a specific Echo device. On the This device screen, tap the gear icon at the top. On the next screen, swipe down to the General section, tap Communication, then select Drop In. You can now customize the options to only allow drop-in calls from allowed contacts, only devices on your account, or no one.

You can prevent a regular call or drop-in from bothering you on a specific Echo device. To do this, say, “Alexa, turn on Do Not Disturb.” To allow calls and other notifications back, say, “Alexa, turn off Do Not Disturb.”

Echo to Phone Calls

Echo to Phone calling is supported by all Echo devices and most mobile and landline numbers in the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico. After you set up Alexa-to-Alexa calling, your phone number is linked to your account and is the number that people see when you call on your Echo.

To call someone in your phone’s contacts list, say “Alexa, call [contact name]”. If the contact has multiple numbers—one for home and one for work—you can specify which number to dial, “Call [contact’s name] on their mobile” or “Alexa, call [contact’s name] on their.” Work on.” If you’re calling someone who isn’t in your contacts list, just say, “Alexa, call [phone number].”

There are certain types of numbers that you can’t call from your Echo. These include toll numbers or toll numbers (such as 1-900 numbers), emergency numbers (such as 911), speed dial numbers (such as 211 or 411), and international numbers outside of the US, UK, and Canada, and Mexico.

Keep in mind that if you’re calling a company that requires you to enter numbers for various menu options, that process may or may not work through your Echo. If you see a numeric menu option, tell Alexa to press that number on the keypad. For example, say “Alexa, press 3 on the dialpad” to see if this feature works.

You can also call someone from the Alexa app by selecting the person’s mobile or landline number. When you’re done, just say, “Alexa, hang up,” and the call will drop.

What you should know On your Echo Show, go to Settings > Camera and tap the Home Monitoring switch.

> and tap the toggle. Tap Devices > Cameras > (your Echo Show) to view a live video feed in the Alexa app.

> > to view a live video feed in the Alexa app. View the Echo Show Home monitoring feed: Swipe left > Smart Home > Devices > Cameras > Echo Show.

This article explains how to use an Echo Show as a security camera with Alexa, including how to set it up and how to view a live video feed from an Echo Show in the Alexa app.

How can I use an Echo Show as a security camera?

The camera on your Echo Show is primarily for video calling, but it also allows the Echo Show to act as a security camera. To enable the feature:

Swipe down on your Echo Show’s display. Tap Settings. Tap Camera. Tap the Home Monitoring toggle. Tap Next. Tap Next. Enter your Amazon password and tap DONE. If your Amazon account has 2FA enabled, enter the code and tap NEXT. Tap Done. Your Echo Show can now act as a security camera. After enabling this feature, you can prevent Home Monitoring and Drop In from accessing the camera on your Echo Show at all times by closing the physical shutter, or you can disable the camera.

What is Alexa Home Monitoring?

Alexa Home Monitoring is a feature that lets you use your Echo Show devices like security cameras. With this feature enabled, you can use the Alexa app on your phone or tablet to view a live feed from your Echo Show. You can also view the live video feed from any other Echo Show connected to your Amazon account. It works very much like the drop-in feature, except that it’s designed as a one-way security measure rather than a two-way communication method.

There is no ringing or other audible alarm when the feature is activated. However, a message will appear on the Echo Show’s display so anyone who happens to be looking at the device when you turn on Home Monitoring will know you’re watching. The message includes a stop button that they can tap to stop the live video feed immediately.

Do you have more than one Echo Show? To view the live home surveillance video feed from one Echo Show on another Echo Show, swipe left, tap Smart Home, tap Devices, tap Cameras, and then tap the Echo Show that is showing you want to view.

To use Home Monitoring with Alexa:

Open the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. Tap Devices. Tap and slide the list of device types. Tap Cameras. Tap your Echo Show. You’ll see a live view of your Echo Show. Tap the speaker or microphone icon to hear what’s going on around your Echo Show or talk to someone in the room. To stop viewing live feet, tap the back button (arrow icon) or close the app.

How else can you use Alexa as a security camera?

In addition to using an Echo Show as a security camera, you can also connect various other security camera devices and view them through the Alexa app or directly on an Echo Show. You can connect security cameras like Blink, video doorbells like Ring, and many others to Alexa.

If you connect a camera device to Alexa, you can view it using the same method as Alexa Home Monitoring. Additional security camera devices appear next to your Echo Show in the camera list in the Alexa app. You can also enable the Alexa Guard feature to receive notifications or even contact your home security company when Alexa detects an intruder.

Alexa isn’t the only one you can talk to on your Echo device. You can also make and receive voice calls with other people. The Alexa app supports Alexa-to-Alexa calls on an iPhone running iOS 9.0 or later and an Android phone running Android 5.0 or later. If you own an Echo Show, you can also make and receive video calls.

Echo devices also use an intercom-like system called Drop In to call other Echo devices directly, either in your home or another household. It works with most cell phones and landlines in the US and certain other countries. How to register Alexa as your own telephone operator.

Echo devices recommended by PCMag

Alexa to Alexa calls

First, open the Alexa app on your phone and tap the Communicate icon at the bottom. If you haven’t already signed up for Alexa-to-Alexa calling, you’ll be prompted to verify your name, allow access to your contacts, and verify your phone number. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter and confirm your mobile phone information.

You can then call someone in your contact list. Just ask Alexa to make the call from your Echo device. Say “Alexa, call [contact name]” and Alexa will make the call.

To make a call using the Alexa app on your phone, make sure you’re on the Communicate screen. Tap the call icon and then select the contact you want to call. If that person is set up to answer calls from an Echo device or the Alexa app, you’ll see options to make an audio or video call with them.

The call is then sent to the called person’s Echo device. It is also forwarded to the Alexa app on their phone. They can answer your call through their Echo or the Alexa app.

If you’re using an Echo Show or the Alexa app to make a video call, you can toggle the video on and off at any time. Calls from the Alexa app can be ended by tapping the end button. When calling from your Echo, say “Alexa, hang up.”

When you get a voice or video call, the light ring on your Echo device glows green, the Alexa app notifies you of the call, and Alexa tells you who’s calling. You can see the caller’s contact name on an Echo Show or in the Alexa app. You can then answer the call by saying “Alexa, answer” or reject the call by saying “Alexa, ignore.” The call can also be accepted or rejected from your phone.

Drop in on an Echo device

You can call another person’s Echo directly using the Drop In feature, which turns an Echo device into an intercom. It works with Echo devices inside and outside your home. The difference between Alexa-to-Alexa calling and drop-in is that the person on the other end doesn’t have to accept the drop-in; it happens automatically.

You must have already signed up for Alexa-to-Alexa calling to use this feature. Both parties should also have the feature enabled so that you and the other person can visit each other.

To set up Drop In, open the Alexa app and select Communicate. Tap the Try Drop-In hint when you see it; Otherwise, tap the Drop In icon at the top. When you access Drop In for the first time, you will be prompted to enable it on your own profile. Tap the My Profile link and turn on the switch next to Allow drop-in.

To check on an Echo device in your household, say, “Alexa, check on [device name].” Alexa will ask for confirmation. You are then connected to the device and can chat with the person on the other end. To end the call, say “Alexa, hang up.”

You can also use the Alexa app. On the Communicate screen, tap Drop In, then select the device name to start the call. (If you want to drop in on an Echo Show, you’ll first need to give Alexa access to your camera.) To stop dropping in, tap the Stop button.

You can also visit all of the Echo devices in your home at once, which can be useful if you need to contact everyone in your household at once. Say “Alexa, come by on all devices.”

When you do this for the first time, Alexa will ask you if you want to turn on advanced features. Say yes. You can also enable it through the Alexa app. Tap the More icon in the bottom right and select Settings. Under Alexa Settings, go to Communication > Advanced Features and toggle the Enabled switch on.

You can drop by on a device outside of your household, as long as the contact on the other end has given you permission from their Alexa app. To drop by this way, say, “Alexa, drop by [contact’s name].” You’re connected to that contact via one of their Echo devices and can start chatting. To disconnect, say “Alexa, hang up.”

You can also check in on someone using the Alexa app. To do this, tap the Contacts icon in the upper-right corner of the Communicate screen. Select the person you want to contact. If that person has given the required permission for the drop-in feature, a drop-in icon will appear on their profile screen. Tap Drop In and, if necessary, select the device you want to use. You are then connected and can start talking. Tap the End button to end the drop-in.

If you want to receive a drop-in from a specific contact, you must give that person permission. To do this, go to the Communicate screen and tap the Contacts icon in the top right. Select the name of the contact you want to give drop-in permission to.

Under Permissions, turn on the Allow drop-in toggle. When you receive a Drop In from this contact, you will hear a tone and you can start speaking. Say “Alexa, hang up” to end the drop-in.

If you don’t want people to stop by your place, open your device settings, select Do Not Disturb, and turn it off so no one can contact you through this feature.

Alternatively, you can go to the Devices screen in the Alexa app, select Echo & Alexa, and then tap the name of a specific Echo device. On the This device screen, tap the gear icon at the top. On the next screen, swipe down to the General section, tap Communication, then select Drop In. You can now customize the options to only allow drop-in calls from allowed contacts, only devices on your account, or no one.

You can prevent a regular call or drop-in from bothering you on a specific Echo device. To do this, say, “Alexa, turn on Do Not Disturb.” To allow calls and other notifications back, say, “Alexa, turn off Do Not Disturb.”

Echo to Phone Calls

Echo to Phone calling is supported by all Echo devices and most mobile and landline numbers in the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico. After you set up Alexa-to-Alexa calling, your phone number is linked to your account and is the number that people see when you call on your Echo.

To call someone in your phone’s contacts list, say “Alexa, call [contact name]”. If the contact has multiple numbers—one for home and one for work—you can specify which number to dial, “Call [contact’s name] on their mobile” or “Alexa, call [contact’s name] on their.” Work on.” If you’re calling someone who isn’t in your contacts list, just say, “Alexa, call [phone number].”

There are certain types of numbers that you can’t call from your Echo. These include toll numbers or toll numbers (such as 1-900 numbers), emergency numbers (such as 911), speed dial numbers (such as 211 or 411), and international numbers outside of the US, UK, and Canada, and Mexico.

Keep in mind that if you’re calling a company that requires you to enter numbers for various menu options, that process may or may not work through your Echo. If you see a numeric menu option, tell Alexa to press that number on the keypad. For example, say “Alexa, press 3 on the dialpad” to see if this feature works.

You can also call someone from the Alexa app by selecting the person’s mobile or landline number. When you’re done, just say, “Alexa, hang up,” and the call will drop.