Have you ever wanted to reach out to your friends or family members via their Alexa devices from the comfort of your home? Well, you can! With your Echo device, calling another Alexa in a different house is as simple as using voice commands or tapping a few buttons on the Alexa app. This robust feature extends your communication capabilities, allowing you to make audio and video calls to other Echo devices or the Alexa app on mobile phones. Whether you have Echo speakers, Echo Shows, or just about any Amazon Echo devices, the power to stay connected effortlessly is right at your command.

Preparing to Use Amazon Alexa’s Call Feature

Setting up your Echo devices is crucial. This involves linking them to your Wi-Fi network and signing in to your Amazon accounts using the Alexa app. Make sure every device that’s meant to make or receive calls is correctly configured and online.

Syncing Contact Information

For Alexa to know whom you’d like to call, syncing your contact list with the Alexa app is necessary. When you give the command to call a contact, Alexa will search your synced contacts to find the phone numbers or Alexa-enabled devices associated with that person.

1. Open the Alexa app on your mobile phone.
2. Navigate to ‘Communicate’ tab located at the bottom.
3. You will be asked to allow Alexa to access your contacts.
4. Once allowed, your contacts will be uploaded to Amazon’s servers.

Enabling Alexa Communication

With your Echo device set up and your contacts in place, you’re ready to enable Alexa’s communication features. This step grants your Alexa the capabilities of making calls, sending messages, and even dropping in on other Alexa devices if you’ve enabled drop-in permissions.

1. Go to the ‘Settings’ menu in your Alexa app.
2. Select ‘Communication’ and then tap ‘Enable.’
3. Follow the instructions, and if needed, verify your mobile number.

Making a Call to an Alexa Device in Another House

Through Voice Commands

Simply address your Echo device by its wake word and then tell Alexa who you’d like to call. If the person you’re trying to reach has several Echo devices or also receives calls through the Alexa app on their mobile phones, Alexa will ask you to specify which device or app you want to connect to.

Using the Alexa App

If you prefer a more hands-on approach or wish to initiate video calls, the Alexa app’s calling feature comes in handy.

1. Open the ‘Communicate’ tab on the Alexa app.
2. Tap on the ‘Call’ icon.
3. Then select the contact you wish to call by searching or scrolling through the list.
4. Choose whether you want an audio or a video call.
5. Then tapping the corresponding button will start the call.

Receiving Calls on Alexa

Your Echo device does not just send calls. It can also receive calls from other Echo users. When someone calls your Alexa-enabled device, it will announce the call, and you will be asked whether to answer or ignore it. Just say “Answer” or press the button on the screen to start the conversation.

Tips for Successful Alexa-to-Alexa Calls

Tip	Description
Enable Calling and Messaging	Ensure that the calling and messaging feature is enabled in the Alexa app. This needs to be set up before you can start making Alexa-to-Alexa calls.
Verify Contacts	Make sure your contacts are uploaded and synced in the Alexa app. Alexa uses your contact list to make calls to other Alexa devices.
Use Device Names	Know the names of your Alexa devices. When making a call, you can specify the device you want to call by its name.
Connect to Wi-Fi	A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for clear and uninterrupted Alexa-to-Alexa calls. Ensure your device is connected to a reliable network.
Use the Drop-In Feature	For instant communication with devices in your home or with close family members, use the Drop-In feature. It allows you to start a conversation without the recipient having to answer the call.
Set Up Device Groups	Create groups in the Alexa app to make calling multiple devices at once easier. This is especially useful for households with multiple Alexa devices.
Maintain Privacy	Use the Do Not Disturb feature or customize your call settings to maintain privacy and control over who can contact you through your Alexa device.
Update Your Alexa App and Devices	Keep your Alexa app and devices updated to the latest firmware version to ensure the best performance and access to new features.
Check Microphone and Speaker	Ensure your device’s microphone and speaker are working properly. Test them by making a call or using the Alexa voice commands to play music or make announcements.
Practice Voice Commands	Become familiar with the voice commands for making calls. Practice saying “Alexa, call [contact name]” or “Alexa, drop in on [device name]” to improve voice recognition.

Make sure that both your and the recipient’s Echo devices support voice and video calls. While most Echo devices do, some might only support voice calls.

Managing Privacy Settings

Review privacy settings to prevent unwelcome surprises. You can manage who can call or message you through the Alexa app, which offers peace of mind and control over your communication preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues while trying to make or receive calls, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Ensure that both you and the person you’re calling are connected to the internet.
2. Restart your Alexa device by unplugging it and plugging it back in after a few seconds.
3. Double-check that you have not accidentally blocked the contact or muted incoming calls in your privacy settings.

Don’t forget to keep your Alexa app and Echo device firmware up to date. Updates often come with bug fixes and enhancements that could resolve any ongoing call quality or connectivity problems.

Additional Features to Enhance Alexa Calling

Creating Drop-In Connections

The Drop-In feature is like an intercom; it allows you to connect instantly to another Alexa device without the recipient having to answer. To use Drop-In:

1. You need to have permission from the contact you want to drop in on.
2. Both participants must have enabled Drop-In on their respective Alexa devices.

You can enable Drop-In by going to your device settings in the Alexa app, selecting your device, and then tapping on ‘Communications.’ Choose ‘Drop In’ and set it to ‘On.’

Using Alexa Announcements

Alexa can also broadcast announcements across Echo devices, which is perfect for quick, one-way messages like letting your family know dinner’s ready. Just say, “”Alexa, announce that dinner is ready,”” and every Echo device in your home – and with permissions, in another home – will relay the message.

Connecting to Groups and Conferencing

Additionally, Alexa allows you to connect with multiple contacts at once through group calling and conferencing. This is ideal for family meetings, virtual get-togethers, or team discussions. To set up a group call:

1. Go to the communication section of the Alexa app.
2. Select ‘Call Group’ and then ‘Create Group.’
3. Choose the contacts you want to include and give your group a name.
4. When you want to start a group call, simply say, “”Alexa, call [group name].””

Conclusion

In today’s world of smart technology, staying connected with loved ones is simpler than ever before. Amazon Echo devices provide a convenient way to reach out to others using just your voice or the tap of a button. From setting up your devices for communication to enjoying features like video calls, messaging, and Drop-In, the possibilities are nearly limitless. Whether you’re making a quick check-in or hosting a virtual family gathering, Echo offers you the tools to do it with ease. By following the outlined steps and tips, you will be well on your way to becoming an Alexa calling pro, bridging the gap between households seamlessly.

FAQ

• Can I make Alexa-to-Alexa calls to international numbers?
  Yes, you can make Alexa-to-Alexa calls internationally. Both parties need to have their Echo devices or Alexa apps set up properly, and internet calling will allow you to connect without incurring traditional phone charges.
• What should I do if Alexa doesn’t recognize the contact I’m trying to call?
  First, make sure the Amazon Echo device has access to your contacts through the Alexa app. If the issue persists, try saying the contact name as it appears in your phone, or update the contact’s information in the app to ensure compatibility.
• Are Alexa calls secure?
  Alexa calls are transmitted over the internet, and Amazon states that they are encrypted in transit. However, as with any internet-connected device, it’s important to manage your privacy settings and stay updated on the company’s privacy policies.
• Can Alexa devices receive calls when set to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode?
  No, if an Alexa device is set to ‘Do Not Disturb,’ it will not ring for incoming calls or announcements. However, you can still use the Drop-In feature if it’s been previously enabled.
• Is there a way to call 911 with Alexa?
  Amazon Echo devices do not support calling emergency services such as 911 directly. However, you can use third-party skills or connect your Echo to a compatible mobile phone to make such calls in an emergency.